Written by Bonhoeffer in a Nazi prison cell in 1943, where he was held for his part in the resistance and where he was eventually executed. From his Letters and Papers from Prison.
Reformed · Modern (18th c.–today)
Morning Prayer of Dietrich Bonhoeffer
O God, early in the morning I cry unto thee.
Help me to pray,
and to think only of thee.
I cannot pray alone.
In me there is darkness, but with thee there is light.
I am lonely, but thou leavest me not.
I am feeble in heart, but thou givest me help.
I am restless, but with thee there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with thee there is patience.
I do not understand thy ways, but thou knowest the way for me.
O heavenly Father, I praise and thank thee
for the rest of the night.
I praise and thank thee for this new day.
I praise and thank thee for all thy goodness and faithfulness
throughout my life. Amen.