A prayer for our time by George Matheson, the blind preacher from Glasgow, Scotland (March 27, 1842-August 28, 1906):

I am wary of my island life, O Spirit; it is absence from Thee. I am weary of the pleasures spent upon myself, weary of that dividing sea which makes me alone.

I look out upon the monotonous waves that roll between me and my brother, and I begin to be in want; I long for the time when there shall be no more sea.

Lift me up to the mainland, Thou Spirit of humanity, unite my heart to the brotherhood of human souls. Set my feet “in a large room” – in a space where many congregate. Place me on the continent of human sympathy where I can find my brother by night and by day – where storms divide not, where waves intervene not, where depths of downward distance drown not love.

Then shall the food of the far country be swine husks; then shall the riot and the revel be eclipsed by a new joy – the music and dancing of the city of God. Amen.

Click HERE for more on George Matheson.