The Prayers of the Saints - by Amy Hagg

Hello, friends and happy almost fall! I've asked my wonderful mom, Amy Hagg, to write a guest post for me as I'm starting college this month. I'm so excited to share it with you, and I love her thoughts on these prayers. Enjoy! - Olivia <3

The Prayers of the Saints

Several years ago I came across a book that contained some of the most beautiful prayers I had ever read. The words were melodious and meaningful and pointed me to Christ in a way that nourished my soul. These prayers of the saints of old have been a such a beautiful addition to my devotional time that I decided to share them with the students I teach in our once-a-week homeschool co-op. I hope they are an encouragement to you as well!

Prayer 1:

“O, make your Word a swift Word,

passing from the ear to the heart,

from the heart to the lip and conversation;

that, as the rain returns not empty,

so neither may your Word,

but accomplish that for which it is given. Amen. (George Herbert)

I like to pray George Herbert’s words before I study Scripture. They remind me that God’s Word will accomplish His purposes in me.

Prayer 2:

Lord God, of might inconceivable,

of glory incomprehensible,

of mercy immeasurable,

of goodness ineffable;

O Master, look down upon us in your tender love,

and show forth, toward us and those who pray with us,

your rich mercies and compassions. Amen. (John Chrysostom)

I love how this prayer puts me in my place (so-to-speak). It elevates my thoughts about God and reminds me that His love toward us is tender, merciful, and compassionate.

Prayer 3:

Grant, Almighty God, that as you shine on us by your Word, we may not be blind at midday, nor willfully seek darkness, and thus lull our minds asleep; but may we be roused daily by your words, and may we stir up ourselves more and more to fear your name and thus present ourselves and all our pursuits as a sacrifice to you, that you may peaceably rule, and perpetually dwell in us, until you gather us to your celestial habitation, where there is reserved for us eternal rest and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (John Calvin)

John Calvin’s words are a bit startling, aren’t they? Why would I willfully seek darkness or lull my mind asleep? But I do. My sinfulness makes me sleep when I should be fully awake to Him. It pulls me into the darkness when I should be racing toward the light. These words remind me that my sinfulness may be great, but my Savior is greater by far. Praise the Lord!

Prayer 4:

Father,

what we know not, teach us.

what we are not, make us.

what we have not, give us

through the power of the Gospel

and for the glory of Christ. (from an Old Anglican Prayer)

I pray this with a group of women with whom I study to remind myself of my deep need for my Lord.

And finally:

Prayer 5:

May I learn to love learning, O Lord,

For the world is yours,

and all things in it speak

– Each in their way – of you:

All knowledge is your knowledge.

All wisdom your wisdom.

God grant this child discernment and wisdom.

Guard me from error.

God grant this child

knowledge and understanding.

Lead me to truth.

God bless the labors of this new season.

Shape me for your service.

Amen.

(From A Liturgy for Students & Scholars, Every Moment Holy, by Douglas McKelvey)

Although this prayer is listed last, in many ways it is my favorite. In fact, each of the liturgical prayers from Every Moment Holy is worthy of being on a “favorite prayers” list. This one is especially meaningful for my freshman and junior students. It’s meaningful for me as well, as I am a teacher who is still a student. In fact, I may be more of a student now than I was many years ago.

May the Lord bless you as you continue to learn to pray.

.

Amy Hagg is a Christ-follower, wife to Andy, and mom to two daughters. She is a homeschooler, a tutor, and occasionally speaks to groups of parents about the joys and challenges of homeschooling. She is also in her third year of the CiRCE Apprenticeship where she is learning to be a teacher of rhetoric.

For further reading:

Prayers 1-4:

GIBSON, J. (2022). Be thou my vision: A liturgy for daily worship. CROSSWAY BOOKS.

Prayer 5:

McKelvey, D. K., Bustard, N., & Peterson, P. (2019). Every moment holy. Rabbit Room Press.