Prayer for Today

O sovereign Lord Jesus Christ our God,
who alone has authority to forgive sins,
overlook in your goodness and love
all my offenses whether committed
with knowledge or in ignorance,
and make me worthy to receive
your divine, glorious, spotless,
and life-giving mysteries,
not for punishment,
nor for an increase of sins,
but for purification and sanctification
and as a pledge of the life
and kingdom to come,
as a protection and help,
and for the destruction of enemies,
and for the blotting out
of my many transgressions.
For you are a God of mercy
and compassion and love,
and to you we send up the glory,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and ever. Amen.

- St. John of Damascus