“Now that the daylight fills the sky, we lift our hearts to God on high, that he, in all we do or say, would keep us free from harm this day.” –Latin, 6th century, from The Hymnal 1982, according to the use of The Episcopal Church, 4

 It has been said a person should know three books well. This adage encourages us to select a few core texts and internalize their wisdom. We build a solid framework of knowledge that deepens our understanding and equips us to apply these insights to other areas of life. Our minds thrive on rich, interconnected ideas, and deep study transforms primary information into lasting wisdom. Essentially, it’s a call to prioritize quality over quantity in our intellectual pursuits.

The same could be said for prayer. Have three prayers gilded upon your heart. By knowing or memorizing prayers we can have these words ready to guide us. This isn’t the only way to pray, but it is a foundation for our extemporaneous prayers.   

Jesus said that when you pray, don’t heap up empty words, thinking that the number of repetitions, or just the right combination of words or phrases will win God’s ear.

Recently, a church clergy encouraged me, “If you are troubled or in a location where you perceive any darkness, immediately pray the Lord’s Prayer. If compelled, make the sign of the cross. There is power in prayer and the cross.” 

The Lord’s Prayer:  See Matthew 6 and Luke 11 

The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.”

Invitatory Prayer: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 

The Gloria Patri: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen 

What three books would you choose to know well? Such a quandary. On this day I would pick: Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle and the Gospel of Luke, or would it be John 📚? 

Join along with Moses praying for God’s divine benevolence: 

“Now, therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me your ways so that I may know You, to find favor in your sight.”

– from Exodus 33:13 ( Three for Thee)