Where does this prayer come from?

It appears in Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, a Project Gutenberg public-domain ebook in the United States.

Begotten to a Lively Hope — Early Church

Q: Can I pray this for someone else?

Yes. Adapt the pronouns or insert the person’s name while preserving the substance of the prayer.

Original prayer

Begotten to a Lively Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for us. Keep us by the power of God through faith unto salvation; that the trial of our faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Amen. —_Adapted_: First Peter 1:3-7.

2. Other First Century Prayers

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

This prayer is for mercy, communion, worship. It gives the request old words: fewer tricks, more flame.

mercycommunionworshipfaithhope

Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

mercy, communion, worship
mercy that is stronger than your mood
faithfulness when your own words are thin
God’s help for someone you are carrying in prayer

Short version

A shorter way to pray it

Lord, hear this ancient prayer for mercy, communion, worship. Give mercy, strength, and a heart made faithful before Thee. Amen.

Meaning

What this prayer means

This prayer comes from the ancient church’s habit of asking directly: for mercy, for holiness, for protection, for light. It does not perform spirituality. It reaches for God.

Use it as written, or let it become a frame for the person and need in front of you.

Personalize it

Pray it for yourself or someone else

For myself

Lord, hear this prayer in me: mercy, communion, worship.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them mercy, communion, worship.

For a group

Lord, grant us together mercy, communion, worship, and keep us faithful before Thee.

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for mercy, communion, worship.

Where does it come from?

It appears in Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, available through Project Gutenberg.

Can I pray this for someone else?

Yes. Change the pronouns or add a name, while keeping the heart of the prayer intact.