Johnson: prayer against loose thoughts and idleness

Sunday, December 13, 2015
    Advent III
    Feast of Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304
    Commemoration of Samuel Johnson, Writer, Moralist, 1784
Meditation:
    For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
    —1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)
Quotation:
    Almighty and most merciful Father, who hast created and preserved me, have pity on my weakness and corruption. Deliver me from habitual wickedness and idleness; enable me to purify my thoughts, to use the faculties which Thou hast given me with honest diligence, and to regulate my life by thy holy word.
    Grant me, O Lord, good purposes and steady resolution, that I may repent my sins, and amend my life. Deliver me from the distresses of vain terror, and enable me, by thy grace, to will and to do what may please Thee; that when I shall be called away from this present state, I may obtain everlasting happiness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    ... Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), Prayers and Meditations, London: Vernor, Hood, and Sharpe, 1806, April 22, 1764, p. 43-44 (see the book)
    See also 1 Thess. 4:7; Ps. 31:1-2; 69:14; 109:21; Rom. 7:24-25; Phil. 3:10-11; 2 Tim. 1:8-9
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, make this my prayer for Your honor and glory. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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