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 Illumination — Augustine

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 Illumination

Late have I loved Thee, O Thou Eternal Truth and Goodness: late have I sought Thee, my Father! But Thou didst seek me, and when Thou shinedst forth upon me, then I knew Thee and learnt to love Thee. I thank Thee, O my Light, that Thou didst thus shine upon me; that Thou didst teach my soul what Thou wouldst be to me, and didst incline Thy face in pity unto me. Thou, Lord, hast become my Hope, my Comfort, my Strength, my All! In Thee doth my soul rejoice. The darkness vanished from before mine eyes, and I beheld Thee, the Son of Righteousness. When I loved darkness, I knew Thee not, but wandered on from night to night. But Thou didst lead me out of that blindness; Thou didst take me by the hand and call me to Thee, and now I can thank Thee, and Thy mighty voice which hath penetrated to my inmost heart.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

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

lightloveeveningstrengthhope

Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

light, love, evening
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 light, love, evening. 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: light, love, evening.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them light, love, evening.

For a group

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

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for light, love, evening.

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.