O God, early in the morning do I cry unto Thee

Help me to pray and to think only of Thee. I cannot pray alone

In me there is darkness, but in Thee there is light

I am lonely but Thou leavest me not, I am feeble in heart but Thou leavest me not

I am restless, but with Thee there is peace

In me there is bitterness, but with Thee there is patience

Thy ways are past understanding, but Thou knowest the way for me

O heav'nly Father, I praise and thank Thee for the peace 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

Thou hast granted me many blessings: now let me accept tribulation from thy hand

Thou wilt not lay on me more than I can bear

Thou makest all things work together for good for Thy children

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou wast poor and in misery, a captive and forsaken, as I am

Thou knowest all Man's distress, Thou abidest with me when all others have deserted me

Thou dost not forget me but seekest me

Thou willest that I should know Thee and turn to Thee

Lord, I hear Thy call and follow Thee: do Thou help me

Chiefly do I remember all my loved ones

My fellow prisoners and all who in this house perform their hard service

Lord, have mercy, restore me to liberty

And enable me so to live now that I may answer before Thee and before the world

Lord, whatever this day may bring, Thy name be praised

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)

Trans. SCM Press