O God of peace, unite our hearts by your bond of peace,

    that we may live with one another in gentleness and humility,

    in peace and unity.

O God of patience, give us patience in times of trial

    and steadfastness to endure to the end.

O Spirit of prayer, awaken our hearts,

    that we may lift up holy hands to God

    and cry unto him in all our distresses.

Be our defence and shade in time of need, our help in trial,

    our consolation when all things are against us.

Come, eternal light, salvation and comfort,

    be our light in darkness, salvation in life, comfort in death,

    and lead us in the straight way to everlasting life,

    that we may praise you forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Bernard Albrecht, 1569-1636

The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers, slightly modified

 

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I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.