Sunset and Lake

Shelter Us in Your Mercy by George Dawson, d. 1876 link

Prayer for Refuge and Peace by Augustine of Hippo 4th century

O God,
full of compassion,
I commit and commend myself to you,
in whom I am, and live, and know.
Be the Goal of my pilgrimage,
and my Rest by the way.
Let my soul take refuge
from the crowding turmoil of worldly thoughts
beneath the shadow of your wings.
Let my heart,
this sea of restless waves,
find peace in you, O God.
You bountifully give all good gifts.
Give those who are weary refreshing food.
Gather our distracted thoughts and powers into harmony again.
Set the prisoner free.
See, he stands at your door and knocks.
Open it to him,
that he may enter with a free step,
and be quickened by you.
For you are the Well-spring of Life,
the Light of eternal Brightness,
where the just live who love you.
Let it be to me according to your word.
Amen.

Increase in Us Faith, Hope, and Love:  Leonine Sacramentary, 6th-7th AD

Almighty and eternal God,
increase in us faith, hope, and love.
Lead us to love what you command
so that we may obtain what you promise;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Prayer of Augustine, (354 – 430) link

Look upon us, O Lord,
and let all the darkness of our souls
vanish before the beams of thy brightness.
Fill us with holy love,
and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.
All our desire is known unto thee,
therefore perfect what thou hast begun,
and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.
We seek thy face,
turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory.
Then shall our longing be satisfied,
and our peace shall be perfect.
Amen

Benediction

Go into your week
knowing you are
loved perfectly,
saved eternally,
and empowered
as a disciple of Jesus
to share God’s love
with everyone you meet.
Amen