O Thou who indwellest in our poor and shabby human life, grant that my part in the world’s life today may not be to obscure the splendor of Thy presence but rather to make it more plainly visible to the eyes of my fellow men.
Let me stand today for whatever is pure and true and just and good.
Let me stand today for the advancement of science and education and true learning.
Let me stand today for the redemption of daily business from the blight of self-seeking.
Let me stand today for the rights of the weak and the oppressed.
Let me stand today for industrial cooperation and mutual help.
Let me stand today for the conservation of the rich traditions of the past.
Let me stand today for the recognition of new workings of Thy Spirit in the minds of the men of my own time.
Let me stand today for the hope of yet more glorious days to come.
Today, O Lord –
Let me put right before interest:
Let me put others before self:
Let me put the things of the spirit before the things of the body:
Let me put the attainment of noble ends above the enjoyment of present pleasures:
Let me put principle above reputation:
Let me put Thee before all else.
Amen.
“A Diary of Private Prayer” by John Baillie
