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.

For Blessings — Liturgy of St. Mark

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

For Blessings

We most earnestly beseech Thee, O Thou Lover of mankind, to bless all Thy people, the flocks of Thy fold. Send down into our hearts the peace of heaven, and grant us also the peace of this life. Give life to the souls of all of us, and let no deadly sin prevail against us, or any of Thy people. Deliver all who are in trouble, for Thou art our God, who settest the captives free; who givest hope to the hopeless, and help to the helpless; who liftest up the fallen; and who art the Haven of the shipwrecked. Give Thy pity, pardon, and refreshment to every Christian soul, whether in affliction or error. Preserve us, in our pilgrimage through this life from hurt and danger, and grant that we may end our lives as Christians, well-pleasing to Thee and free from sin, and that we may have our portion and lot with all Thy saints.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

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

forgivenesspeacelovehope

Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

forgiveness, peace, 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 forgiveness, peace, 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: forgiveness, peace, love.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them forgiveness, peace, love.

For a group

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

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for forgiveness, peace, 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.