PRYR
Forgiveness / Pardon · 1st century

Patience and Longsuffering

An ancient prayer adapted from Epistles to the Colossians 1:9-14 and Philippians 4:20 for forgiveness, light, wisdom.

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Original prayer

Patience and Longsuffering

For this cause we also, ... do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us unto the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

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

forgivenesslightwisdomjoystrength
Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

  • forgiveness, light, wisdom
  • 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, light, wisdom. 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, light, wisdom.

For a friend

Lord, remember [Name]. Give them forgiveness, light, wisdom.

For a group

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

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for forgiveness, light, wisdom.

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.