A Prayer on Simplicity

The prayerful cultivation of simplicity is every Christian’s business. And as it is increasingly experienced, its untold value is increasingly seen. May we apply its principles to our life, as we seek to travel a more excellent journey. These principles are reflected in an inspiring poem by William Ellery Channing:

I will seek elegance rather than luxury,

refinement rather than fashion.

I will seek to be worthy more than respectable,

Wealthy and not rich.

I will study hard, think quietly,

Talk gently, act frankly,

I will listen to stars and birds,

babes and sages, with an open heart.

I will bear all things cheerfully, do all things

bravely, await occasions and hurry never.

In a word I will let the spiritual; unbidden

and unconscious grow up through the common.