Another prayer today from the pen – or should it be quill! – of St Augustine of Hippo (354–430), taken here from my book A Calendar of Classic Prayer (see here for more of my daily devotional books). If sometimes we cannot help feeling a sense of despair at God’s apparent failure to answer us when we call, here is a perfect counterbalance, Augustine gratefully acknowledging God’s presence at every step of our lives. We may not always see it, but he is there nonetheless, and sometimes it’s good simply to thank him for that assurance he gives.
O my God,
light of the blind and strength of the weak;
yes, also light of those that see and strength of the strong:
we turn and seek you,
for we know you are here in our hearts when we converse with you;
when we cast ourselves upon you;
when we weep, and you do gently wipe away our tears,
and also when we weep for joy
because you who made us does remake and comfort us.
Grant that we may entirely love you,
even unto the end.
Amen.