For Increase of Grace and Perfection
Eternal God, merciful and gracious, please bless and favor me. May my love for your mercy and fear of your majesty lead me to diligently search and perform your will, and to live a holy life until my last day.
I belong to you by creation and by purchase, for you have redeemed me through the blood of your Son and adopted me as your child by grace. Please forgive my sins, protect me from punishment and harm, and watch over me so that I may never offend you again. Help me to be innocent and wise, fully equipped to do good works.
May I never forget you, whether I am rich or poor, hopeful or fearful, happy or in pain. Nothing within or without should hinder my duty to follow your commandments. Please let your Spirit dwell within me always, making me just and charitable, honest and religious, firm in holy purposes but resistant to evil. Make me humble and obedient, peaceful and pious, free of envy and worthy of respect. And if I am ever despised, teach me to bear it with meekness and charity.
May I have a sensitive conscience, a resigned will, and controlled emotions, so that I may be as you wish me to be. May my reward be with the righteous, in the radiance of your face and the glories of eternity. Amen.
Jeremy Taylor (1613-67)
Cleric. Author.