PRYR
Forgiveness / Pardon · 2nd century

To Witness for Christ

An ancient prayer from Liturgy of St. James for forgiveness, love, faith.

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Original prayer

To Witness for Christ

Grant, O merciful God, that as Thy holy Apostle St. James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay, was obedient to the call of Thy son Jesus Christ, and followed Him, and at last cheerfully laid down his life for His gospel’s sake, so I, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow Thy holy commandments, and, whenever Thy providence shall make it my duty, may readily and cheerfully embrace death, though armed with his utmost terror, rather than forsake or deny Thee. Let me rejoice in every happy occasion of testifying the sincerity of my love, by suffering for Thy truth, and let the firm belief of those glorious eternal rewards which Thou hast prepared for them who lay down their lives for Thy sake, support me under all the cruelties of the most merciless persecutors. Grant this, O blessed Lord, who didst die for me, and didst rise again, and now sittest at the right hand of the Father, to intercede for me, and all Thy faithful disciples.

Amen.

Direct answer

What this prayer is for

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

forgivenesslovefaithForgivenessPardon
Use cases

Pray this when you’re asking for

  • forgiveness, love, faith
  • 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, love, faith. 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, love, faith.

For a friend

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

For a group

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

FAQ

Questions about this prayer

What is this prayer for?

It is for forgiveness, love, faith.

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.