A Prayer for Our Friends
Today I want to share a prayer written by Anselm. Anselm was the Bishop of Canterbury and was known for his sharp intellect and godly demeanor. He is thought to be the first to put forth the ontological argument for the existence of God. Cur Dues Homo (Why God Became Man) is considered by many to be his best writing. It is written as a dialogue between himself and one of his students as they discuss the incarnation.
Because language, by nature, changes in style and wording over the years, we sometimes struggle with reading ancient writings. Still, it is worth the effort to do so. That is the case with this prayer. This is a prayer we can pray for our friends. Its intent is simple. The core request is that our friends would love and be loved by God and that their words and works would conform to God’s will.
One thing I find so helpful in Anselm’s prayer is the humility and honesty in the way it is presented to us. He recognizes that his prayer, while good, is not fervent. There is within his heart a coldness. He desires that his “dullness of devotion” would not be a hindrance to God’s blessing being given to his friends.
The lines that stood out to me are:
· Measure not to them your goodness by the dullness of our devotion…
· Let your hearing transcend our prayer.
· Though our prayer is cold, because our charity is so little fervent, yet you are rich in mercy.
Here is the prayer in its entirety:
O blessed Lord and Savior, who has commanded us to love one another, grant us grace that, having received your underserved bounty, we may love every man in you and for you. We ask your blessing for all; but especially for the friends whom your love has given to us. Love them, O fountain of love, and make them to love you with all their heart, with all their mind, and with all their soul, that those things only which are pleasing to you they may will, and speak, and do. And though our prayer is cold, because our charity is so little fervent, yet you are rich in mercy. Measure not to them your goodness by the dullness of our devotion; but as your kindness surpasses all human affection, so let your hearing transcend our prayer. Do to them what is expedient for them, according to your will, that they, being always and everywhere ruled and protected by you, may attain in the end to everlasting life.
Amen.
