My good Lord,

    I long to pray to you for my friends,

    but I am held back by my sins.

Since I stand in such need of grace myself,

    how can I dare ask for grace for others?

I anxiously seek intercession on my own behalf.

    yet even so I shall be so bold

    as to intercede for others.

You commend me to pray for my friends,

    and love prompts me to do so.

So I pray to you, good and gracious God,

    for those who love me for your sake

    and whom I love in you.

 

If my prayer does not deserve to be answered,

    please love them for their own sakes,

    for you are the source of all love.

And make them love you with all their hearts

    so that they will speak and do

    only that which pleases you.

My prayer is but a cold affair, Lord,

    because my love burns with such a small flame.

Yet you who are rich in mercy

    will bestow your grace not according to my prayers

    but according to the infinite warmth of your love.

 

Anselm of Canterbury, c. 1033-1109, Benedictine monk and archbishop

 

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Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. 

Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.  

And pray for me, too. 

Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan

    that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.