For the Prosperous

HEAR us, O Lord, in behalf of those to whom Thou hast given the precious gifts of wealth. May they ever praise Thee for Thy goodness, remembering that all skill and wisdom and strength of body or of mind come from Thee, and that they possess nothing which they have not received from Thy hand. Teach them that with Thy gift Thou givest them a great responsibility; that Thou hast lent them their riches not for their own enjoyment only, but to increase the well-being and happiness of the world. May they realise that no material good is to be compared with the joy of lightening the load of another's need. Grant them a spirit of self-denial that they may renounce all luxury and extravagance in the presence of their brother's poverty. Keep them free from the entanglements of worldly things, from all that wars against simplicity and nobility of life, from all pride and vain glory, from love of power, from false ambitions, from contempt of the poor and the unprivileged. Bestow upon them the grace of the Lord Jesus who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might become rich; and may they be willing to follow in His footsteps and to spend and be spent in the service of their brothers. And this we beg for His sake. Amen.