O Father, grant me Thy peace. I have not a peaceful spirit in me; and I
know that I shall never get it by thinking, and reading, and
understanding, for it passes all that; and peace lies far away beyond it,
in the very essence of Thine undivided, unmoved, absolute, Eternal
Godhead, which no change nor decay of this created world, nor sin or
folly of men or devils, can ever alter; but which abideth for ever what
it is, in perfect rest, and perfect power, and perfect love. Soothe this
restless, greedy, fretful soul of mine, as a mother soothes a sick and
feverish child. How Thou wilt do it I do not know. It passes all
understanding. But though the sick child cannot reach the mother, the
mother is at hand and can reach it. And Thou art more than a mother:
Thou art the Everlasting Father. Though the eagle by flying cannot reach
the sun, yet the sun is at hand, and can reach all the earth, and pour
its light and warmth over all things. Thou art more than the sun; Thou
art the Light and Life of all things. Pour Thy Light and Thy Life over
me, that I may see as Thou seest, and live as Thou livest, and be at
peace with myself and all the world, as Thou art at peace with Thyself
and all the world. Pour Thy love over me, that I may love as Thou
lovest. Again, I say, I know not how, for it passes all understanding;
but I hope that Thou wilt do it for me, I trust that Thou wilt do it for
me, for I believe that Thou art Love, and that Thy mercy is over all Thy
works. I believe that Thou so lovest the world that Thou hast sent Thy
Son to save the world and me. I know not how, for that too passes
understanding; but I believe that Thou wilt do it, for I believe that
Thou art Love, and that Thy mercy is over all Thy works, even over me. I
believe that Thy will is peace on earth, even peace to me, restless and
unquiet as I am, and goodwill to all men, even to me, the chief of
sinners.
Amen.