15 February 2016

A journey through Lent 2016
with Samuel Johnson (6)

John Myatt’s mural on a wall in Bird Street, Lichfield, commemorating Samuel Johnson (Photograph: Patrick Comerford)

Patrick Comerford

During Lent this year, I am taking time each morning to reflect on words from Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), the Lichfield lexicographer and writer who compiled the first authoritative English-language dictionary.

I recently came across this prayer by Samuel Johnson:

Almighty and most merciful Father, Creator and Preserver of mankind, look down with pity on my troubles and maladies. Heal my body, strengthen my mind, compose my distraction, calm my inquietude, and relieve my terrours; that if it please Thee, I may run the race that is set before me with peace, patience, constancy and confidence. Grant this O Lord, and take not from me thy Holy Spirit, but pardon and bless me, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Continued tomorrow.

Yesterday’s reflection.

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