Photo by Ahna Ziegler on Unsplash
Open the eyes of our hearts to know you,
who are the highest of the high,
the holiest of the holy.
You bring down the haughtiness of the proud,
and thwart the schemes of the dishonest.
You raise up the lowly and cast down the lofty.
Riches and poverty, death and life, are in your hand.
You alone can discern every spirit
looking into the depths of every soul.
You protect those in danger, give hope to those in despair,
and guide every creature on earth.
By your power the nations of the earth can flourish and increase.
And from all mankind you have chosen us to know and love you
through the knowledge and love of your Son, Jesus Christ.
By him you have taught us your truth,
and lifted us up to share in your holiness.
Grant us, Lord, we beseech you, your grace.
Pity the poor, encourage those who are sad,
enlighten those whose spirits are in darkness,
heal the sick, guide the confused, feed the hungry,
release those who are unjustly imprisoned,
support the weak, comfort the faint-hearted.
Let all the nations of the world know that you are God,
that Jesus Christ is you child, and that we are your people.
Clement of Rome, c.30- 99 Bishop, the first Apostolic Father
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For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions,
and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
waiting for our blessed hope,
the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ
prayer & verse 