The saints across the centuries have taught us that unceasing prayer is not necessarily about being on our knees every second of the day. It is more about cultivating a spirit of prayer — a readiness of heart that continually turns to God. St Augustine put it beautifully when he said, "Your desire is your prayer; if your desire continues, your prayer continues." Prayer, then, is more than words. It is the lifting up of the heart to God.
But sometimes we need words — and simple words at that. In our weakness, our minds wander and our hearts grow distracted. A small, memorable prayer can become like a companion that helps us stay attuned to God's presence in the midst of daily life.
Here's an easy prayer; simple and yet profound:
At first glance, it might appear like a children's prayer. But isn't that exactly what makes it so powerful? Our Lord Himself said,
please bless (name here or description of person) and hold them tight.
Grant them peace along their ways
and keep them safe both nights and days."
At first glance, it might appear like a children's prayer. But isn't that exactly what makes it so powerful? Our Lord Himself said,
"Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3, RSV-CE).
Childlike prayer is not shallow — it is pure. It cuts through our tendency to over-complicate things and goes straight to the heart of faith.
A prayer we can say anywhere
The beauty of this prayer is in its flexibility. We can whisper it under our breath while walking through town, while sitting on a bus, or even while waiting in line at the supermarket. Imagine noticing someone with a walking stick struggling to cross the street. Rather than simply feeling pity, we can quietly pray:
Or perhaps we see someone looking downcast on the train. Their expression tells a story of hidden pain. We do not know their name, but God does. We can silently pray for them in that moment, trusting that our prayer joins with Christ's eternal intercession at the right hand of the Father.
Think of the possibilities:
A colleague at work seems stressed — we can pray for them at our desk.
A mother juggling children and bags looks overwhelmed — we can pray as we pass by.
A stranger sits outside a shop with visible scars or impairments — we can pray as we walk on.
A neighbour in our street lives alone and rarely comes out — we can pray when we see their window light at night.
It is a prayer that does not require special circumstances. It does not need a church building, a rosary in our pocket, or a set time of day. It can simply flow from our heart at any moment.
The spiritual works of mercy
The Church gives us a framework for living out God's mercy in the world. While the corporal works of mercy deal with physical needs, the spiritual works of mercy are directed to the soul. They are:
1. To instruct the ignorant
2. To counsel the doubtful
3. To admonish sinners
4. To bear wrongs patiently
5. To forgive offences willingly
6. To comfort the afflicted
7. To pray for the living and the dead
This little prayer connects powerfully with the seventh work: praying for the living and the dead. Every time we whisper these words for another person — whether family, friend, or stranger — we are carrying out one of the spiritual works of mercy.
But in a way, this prayer also brushes against the others:
When we pray for someone who is troubled, we are helping to comfort the afflicted.
When we lift up a person who has wronged us, we are moving towards forgiveness.
When we pray for someone struggling with doubt, we are spiritually supporting them, which reflects counselling the doubtful.
By using this prayer throughout our day, we are weaving mercy into the ordinary fabric of life.
Joining with the saints in prayer
Catholic tradition gives us a treasury of structured prayers: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Rosary, the Divine Office. These anchor us in the life of the Church. But alongside these, short prayers — often called aspirations or ejaculatory prayers — have always had their place.
A prayer we can say anywhere
The beauty of this prayer is in its flexibility. We can whisper it under our breath while walking through town, while sitting on a bus, or even while waiting in line at the supermarket. Imagine noticing someone with a walking stick struggling to cross the street. Rather than simply feeling pity, we can quietly pray:
"Almighty God of grace and light,
please bless (name here or description of person) and hold them tight.
Grant them peace along their ways
and keep them safe both nights and days."
Or perhaps we see someone looking downcast on the train. Their expression tells a story of hidden pain. We do not know their name, but God does. We can silently pray for them in that moment, trusting that our prayer joins with Christ's eternal intercession at the right hand of the Father.
Think of the possibilities:
A colleague at work seems stressed — we can pray for them at our desk.
A mother juggling children and bags looks overwhelmed — we can pray as we pass by.
A stranger sits outside a shop with visible scars or impairments — we can pray as we walk on.
A neighbour in our street lives alone and rarely comes out — we can pray when we see their window light at night.
It is a prayer that does not require special circumstances. It does not need a church building, a rosary in our pocket, or a set time of day. It can simply flow from our heart at any moment.
The spiritual works of mercy
The Church gives us a framework for living out God's mercy in the world. While the corporal works of mercy deal with physical needs, the spiritual works of mercy are directed to the soul. They are:
1. To instruct the ignorant
2. To counsel the doubtful
3. To admonish sinners
4. To bear wrongs patiently
5. To forgive offences willingly
6. To comfort the afflicted
7. To pray for the living and the dead
This little prayer connects powerfully with the seventh work: praying for the living and the dead. Every time we whisper these words for another person — whether family, friend, or stranger — we are carrying out one of the spiritual works of mercy.
But in a way, this prayer also brushes against the others:
When we pray for someone who is troubled, we are helping to comfort the afflicted.
When we lift up a person who has wronged us, we are moving towards forgiveness.
When we pray for someone struggling with doubt, we are spiritually supporting them, which reflects counselling the doubtful.
By using this prayer throughout our day, we are weaving mercy into the ordinary fabric of life.
Joining with the saints in prayer
Catholic tradition gives us a treasury of structured prayers: the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Rosary, the Divine Office. These anchor us in the life of the Church. But alongside these, short prayers — often called aspirations or ejaculatory prayers — have always had their place.
The Jesus Prayer of the Eastern tradition ("Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner") is a prime example. It is repeated quietly and steadily, sinking into the rhythm of the heart until it becomes almost second nature.
This little prayer — "Almighty God of grace and light…" — could serve a similar purpose for us.
This little prayer — "Almighty God of grace and light…" — could serve a similar purpose for us.
It does not replace the Rosary or the Office, but it adds another layer to our daily prayer life. It reminds us that prayer need not be long to be powerful. In fact, some of the most heartfelt prayers in Scripture are very short indeed:
Peter, sinking into the sea, cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30).
The blind man on the roadside shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luke 18:38).
The tax collector in the temple prayed, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13).
Each of these is a prayer of few words, but overflowing with faith.
Almost like praying unceasingly
If we get into the habit of using this prayer as we go about our day, we may find ourselves becoming more aware of God's presence in ordinary moments.
Peter, sinking into the sea, cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30).
The blind man on the roadside shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luke 18:38).
The tax collector in the temple prayed, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13).
Each of these is a prayer of few words, but overflowing with faith.
Almost like praying unceasingly
If we get into the habit of using this prayer as we go about our day, we may find ourselves becoming more aware of God's presence in ordinary moments.
Isn't that what praying without ceasing is all about? It is not so much about quantity of words as it is about cultivating a heart that is quick to turn to God.
Imagine how our day might change if we whispered this prayer dozens of times: for the driver in traffic, for the person coughing in the doctor's waiting room, for the teacher hurrying with papers, for the child crying in the supermarket, for the postman who walks by our house, for the elderly lady behind us in church.
The more we use it, the more natural it becomes. It slips into the rhythm of our steps, our breaths, our thoughts. We begin to notice others differently — not as strangers, but as fellow souls beloved by God. Their needs awaken compassion in us, and that compassion is carried into prayer.
In this sense, such a simple prayer becomes almost like a way of praying unceasingly.
Simplicity and humility
Sometimes we shy away from simple prayers because we think they are not "spiritual enough."
Imagine how our day might change if we whispered this prayer dozens of times: for the driver in traffic, for the person coughing in the doctor's waiting room, for the teacher hurrying with papers, for the child crying in the supermarket, for the postman who walks by our house, for the elderly lady behind us in church.
The more we use it, the more natural it becomes. It slips into the rhythm of our steps, our breaths, our thoughts. We begin to notice others differently — not as strangers, but as fellow souls beloved by God. Their needs awaken compassion in us, and that compassion is carried into prayer.
In this sense, such a simple prayer becomes almost like a way of praying unceasingly.
Simplicity and humility
Sometimes we shy away from simple prayers because we think they are not "spiritual enough."
The truth is that God delights in our sincerity, not in our eloquence. Jesus even warned us not to heap up "empty phrases" like the pagans who think they will be heard for their many words (Matthew 6:7).
The great saints often prayed in simple ways. St Thérèse of Lisieux spoke of her prayer life as "a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."
The prayer of "Almighty God of grace and light…" reflects this spirit. It is short, heartfelt, and to the point. It asks God to bless, protect, and give peace. What more could we want for someone we love — or even for someone we do not know but happen to meet along the way?
For ourselves, too
We might also consider praying this prayer for ourselves. There are times when our own burdens weigh heavily. When we feel alone, or anxious, or physically weak, we can place ourselves into God's hands with the same childlike words:
"Almighty God of grace and light, please bless me and hold me tight. Grant me peace along my ways and keep me safe both nights and days."
Sometimes the simplest prayers are the most comforting in moments of fear. In praying for others and for ourselves, we are constantly reminded of our dependence on God's grace.
This little prayer might seem almost too simple. But therein lies its strength.
The great saints often prayed in simple ways. St Thérèse of Lisieux spoke of her prayer life as "a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy."
The prayer of "Almighty God of grace and light…" reflects this spirit. It is short, heartfelt, and to the point. It asks God to bless, protect, and give peace. What more could we want for someone we love — or even for someone we do not know but happen to meet along the way?
For ourselves, too
We might also consider praying this prayer for ourselves. There are times when our own burdens weigh heavily. When we feel alone, or anxious, or physically weak, we can place ourselves into God's hands with the same childlike words:
"Almighty God of grace and light, please bless me and hold me tight. Grant me peace along my ways and keep me safe both nights and days."
Sometimes the simplest prayers are the most comforting in moments of fear. In praying for others and for ourselves, we are constantly reminded of our dependence on God's grace.
************
It is memorable, portable, and endlessly adaptable.
It helps us intercede for those around us — family, friends, strangers, and even ourselves — in a way that is almost continuous. In that way, it helps us respond to St Paul's exhortation to pray without ceasing.
So perhaps this prayer really can help us to pray unceasingly. Well — maybe.
Prayer
So perhaps this prayer really can help us to pray unceasingly. Well — maybe.
Prayer
"Almighty God of grace and light,
please bless (name here or description of person) and hold them tight.
Grant them peace along their ways
and keep them safe both nights and days."
************
************
Visit Our Parish Website
ourladyoflourdes.co.uk
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, New Milton
************Thank you for visiting this blog here at
the247catholic.blogspot.com************
View And / Download The Ordo
for the 2025 - 2026 Liturgical Year
For The Diocese Of Portsmouth
************
Click here for the very latest
and up-to-the-minute Catholic News
from The 247 Catholic
************
Please pray for me because I'm a sinner
************
