Here’s a prayer that I memorized while I was at grad school. I prayed it by heart each morning when I awoke. The other day I ran across it again when I picked up the latest edition of Forward Day by Day. Here it is, the “Morning Resolve” (slightly modified):
Lord, help me this day to live a simple, sincere and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.
In particular, make me faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which I believe Your Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.
And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Saviour, and ask for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
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In an article in BC Christian News, Jean Kim-Butcher reprints this prayer originating with 4th century St. Ephrem:
O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, lust of power, and idle chatter. Instead grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, patience and love.
O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my own sins, and not to judge my brother and sister – for You are holy, now and forever and ever. Amen.
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4th Point 