Cyril died in Rome on 14 February 869. In 1980 Pope John Paul II, the first Slavic pope, named the brothers co-patrons of Europe. So this is a day for love, and for the people who carried the greatest love story there is to new nations in words they could understand.
Historical Context
A February 14 Prayer of Love
Lord, you are love.
Thank you for the people I love and the people who love me.
Bless every marriage and every couple today.
Comfort those who are lonely or grieving on this day.
Teach me to love the way you love:
patiently, faithfully and without counting the cost.
St Valentine, pray for us.
Amen.
A Prayer to Sts Cyril and Methodius
Sts Cyril and Methodius, you gave the Gospel to people in their own tongue.
Pray for missionaries, translators and teachers.
Pray for unity between the Churches of East and West.
Amen.
For Those Alone Today
Lord, for everyone who feels left out on Valentine’s Day,
let them know they are loved by you.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On the morning of 14 February.
- Over a Valentine’s dinner.
- When praying for Christians in Eastern Europe.
Scripture Connection
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4
Paul’s hymn to love is read at countless weddings. It describes the love of couples, but also of missionaries like Cyril and Methodius, who gave their lives to strangers.
Related prayers
For Valentine’s Day, see the Prayer for Valentine’s Day. For the Welsh patron of lovers, the St Dwynwen Prayer. For the month, the February Prayer Guide.