bless the artists

Prayer For Artists
Attributed To: Rev. Karl Ryland

Father,
We praise Thee for all those, Thy servants, who have given their life in the service of the true, the pure, and the lovely; for all who work in music, word and color to increase the joy of life; for all who rejoice in their work and make things well. May life perpetual shine upon them.
Once more a new day lies before us, Father. As we go out among men to do our work, touching the hands and lives of our neighbors, make us, we pray Thee, friends of all the world. Save us from blighting the fresh flower of any heart by the flare of the sudden anger or secret hate. May we not bruise the rightful self-respect of any by contempt or malice. Help us to cheer the suffering by our sympathy, to freshen the drooping by our hopefulness, and to strengthen in all the wholesome sense of worth and the joy of life. Save us from the deadly poison of class pride. Grant that we may look all men in the face with the eyes of a brother. If anyone needs us, make us ready to yield our help ungrudgingly, unless higher duties claim us, and may we rejoice that we have it in us to be helpful to our fellow men.
Almighty God unto Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts with the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and magnify Thy Holy Name.
Amen.