Here’s a wonderful ancient prayer if faith, coming from the fourth-century Divine Liturgy of St Basil – the Eucharistic service followed during Lent and Christmas within the Orthodox and other Byzantine traditions. Its author was Basil the Great (c. 330–379), bishop of Caesarea and revered within many traditions as a saint and Doctor of the Church. Somewhat akin to St Nicholas or his Westernised caricature, Father Christmas, within Eastern traditions Basil is believed to give gifts to children every 1 January. An ascetic monk and respected writer, he was especially revered for his work among the poor and disadvantaged, as reflected in his words here. The prayer can be found, along with many others that are equally memorable, in my book A Calendar of Classic Prayer.
Lord,
the help of the helpless,
the hope of those past hope,
the rescuer of the storm-tossed,
the harbour of the voyagers,
the healer of the sick:
I ask you to become all things to all people,
for you know the needs of each one.
Accept us all into your kingdom,
making us children of light;
and give us your peace and love,
Lord our God.
Amen.