by Richard Long,
I have found that one of the most enriching ways to deepen my prayer life is to meditate on and repeat the prayers of great men and women througout the ages. The one below was adapted to music in our generation and titled “Day by Day” by Stephen Schwartz in 1970. (Wow that was almost 40 years ago.) It has been covered by many different groups including DC Talk since then. These words are actually from the 13th century and were part of a larger prayer.
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever.
A Prayer of St Richard of Chichester – 1197-1253