PRYR
Love / Holiness / Renewal · 2nd century

For a Pure Heart

An ancient prayer from Liturgy of St. James for love, holiness, love.

Original prayer

For a Pure Heart

O God, the Father of our Saviour Jesus Christ, whose name is great, whose nature is blissful, whose goodness is inexhaustible, God and Ruler of all things, who art blessed forever; before whom stand thousands and thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, the hosts of holy angels and archangels; sanctify, O Lord, our souls and bodies and spirits, search our consciences, and cast out of us every evil thought, every base desire, all envy and pride, all wrath and anger, and all that is contrary to Thy holy will. And grant us, O Lord, Lover of men, with a pure heart and contrite soul, to call upon Thee, our holy God and Father who art in heaven.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

This prayer is for love, holiness, love. It gives the request old words: fewer tricks, more flame.

loveholinessLoveHolinessRenewal
Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

  • love, holiness, love
  • 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 love, holiness, love. 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: love, holiness, love.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them love, holiness, love.

For a group

Lord, grant us together love, holiness, love, and keep us faithful before Thee.

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for love, holiness, love.

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.