This coming Sunday (August 31) and the week following, Roman Catholics and Episcopalians (Anglicans) will be praying the same prayer at the Eucharist and at their Daily Offices.
This is the Roman Catholic version of the prayer:
Almighty God,
every good thing comes from you.
Fill our hearts with love for you,
increase our faith,
and by your constant care
protect the good you have given us.
This is the Episcopalian version of the prayer:
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
Graft in our hearts the love of your Name;
increase in us true religion;
nourish us with all goodness;
and bring forth in us the fruit of good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Both are translations of
Deus virtútum, cujus est totum quod est optimum : ínsere péctóribus nostris amórem tui nóminis, et præsta in nobis religiónis augméntum ; ut, quæ sunt bona, nutrias, ac pietátis studio, quæ sunt nutrita, custódias. Per Dóminum.
There is more about this prayer’s history and a reflection on it in the weekly reflection on the collect/opening prayer on this site. In my opinion, unless the Episcopalians are following the lead of the Roman Catholics, this is a wonderful accidental serendipity. If you know how it came to be that both denominations are praying the same prayer – please contact me.
Let us widen the circle that prays this prayer together this coming weekend and week.
