Thomas à Kempis, of German-Dutch descent, is known especially for his collection of four pamphlets written for those considering monastic life, later assembled into a book that was to become a Christian classic, The Imitation of Christ. “He copied the Bible no fewer than four times. In its teachings he was widely read and his works abound with biblical quotations, especially from the New Testament.”1

O most gracious God,
every good and perfect gift comes from you.
Work in us both to will and to act according to your will.
Enlighten our minds that we may know you,
and let us not be unfruitful in that knowledge.
Lord, work in our hearts a true faith,
a purifying hope, and an unfeigned love towards you.
Give us a full trust in you, zeal for you,
reverence of all things that relate to you.
Make us fearful of offending you,
thankful for your mercies,
humble under your corrections,
devout in your service,
and sorrowful for our sins.
Grant that in all things
we may behave ourselves so as befits a creature to his Creator,
a servant to his Lord.
Make us diligent in all our duties,
watchful against all temptations,
pure and temperate and moderate in your most lawful enjoyments,
that they may never become a snare to us.
Help us, O Lord,
to act towards our neighbor
that we may never transgress your royal law
of loving him as ourselves.
Finally, O Lord,
sanctify us throughout,
that our whole spirit, soul and body,
may be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be all honor and glory forever.2

Throughout This Day: Seek to pray using Scriptures you have memorized or have read lately. Write your prayers, if you so desire, to help you concentrate on the words.

References:

  1. Thomas à Kempis
  2. A Collection of Prayers


Tags: 2000 Years of Prayer Daily Devotional 1 Thessalonians 5
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