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 the Spread of Christianity — Gelasian Sacramentary

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 the Spread of Christianity

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light, look favourably on Thy whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; and by the tranquil operation of Thy perpetual providence, carry out the work of man’s salvation; let the whole world feel and see that things which were cast down are being raised up, that those which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are returning to perfection; through Him from Whom they took their origin, even Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

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

guidancelightLightGuidance

Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

guidance, light, light
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 guidance, light, light. 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: guidance, light, light.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them guidance, light, light.

For a group

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

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for guidance, light, light.

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.