A QUOTE from Quaker Elizabeth Fry, A TEXT from St Mark, AND A PRAYER by Robert Louis Stevenson
A QUOTE
“O Lord, may I be directed what to do and what to
leave undone. “
Elizabeth Fry
A TEXT
The beginning of the good news* of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.*
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,*
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,*
who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight” ’,
4John the baptizer appeared* in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8I have baptized you with* water; but he will baptize you with* the Holy Spirit.’ Mark 1: 1-8
AND A PRAYER…OR TWO
Grant to us, O Lord, the royalty of inward happiness, and the serenity which comes from living close to thee. Daily renew in us the sense of joy, and let the eternal spirit of the Father dwell in our souls and bodies, filling every corner of our hearts with light and grace; so that, bearing about with us the infection of good courage, we may be diffusers of life, and may meet all ills and cross accidents with gallant and high-hearted happiness, giving thee thanks always for all things.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94)
The ‘Happiness Prayer’ of Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson, traveller, poet and author, is probably best known for his book ‘Treasure Island’. He wrote extensively for children, combining a simple enjoyment of the adventures of life with a sharp wit and more than a few subtle digs at the absurdity of adults.