PRYR
Ancient Prayer · 2nd century

For Growth in Grace

An ancient prayer from Early Church for grace, ancient, prayer.

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Original prayer

For Growth in Grace

Give perfection to beginners, O Father; give intelligence to the little ones; give aid to those who are running their course. Give sorrow to the negligent; give fervour of spirit to the lukewarm. Give to the perfect a good consummation; for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. —Irenaeus, Old Gallican Sacramentary.

Chapter III THIRD CENTURY PRAYERS

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

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

graceAncientPrayer
Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

  • grace, ancient, prayer
  • 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 grace, ancient, prayer. 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: grace, ancient, prayer.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them grace, ancient, prayer.

For a group

Lord, grant us together grace, ancient, prayer, and keep us faithful before Thee.

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for grace, ancient, prayer.

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.