Prayer by Susanna Wesley
mother of John and Charles, founders of Methodism

A PRAYER OF SUSANNA WESLEY

You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.
Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,
make us careful to watch against it,
and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.
In order to perform this duty aright,
grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,
and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.

Suzanna Wesley had seventeen children, but is said to have given each of them one day of special attention and training per month. From John's writings we know that both he and brother Charles Wesley viewed their mother as a vital source of inspiration and encouragement for their ministries.