What are You Praying Today?

Posted by Brad Wingler on

Occasionally I read prayers from "The Valley of Vision", a book of prayers from the time period of the Puritans.  I wrestle through the occasional "thou", "hast", and "thy" (usually just saying "you", "have" and "my" instead).  Today I read "Jesus My Glory" and was reminded of so many great truths that I couldn't resist sharing, and also throw out the encouraging challenge to pray deep prayers that are focused around God's truth.  These prayers centered around Scripture first rather than our desires has the end result of glorifying God, magnifying the cross, and submitting one's personal desires.  As you read below try to recall the passages that are brought to mind as this puritan prays, recalling numerous foundational truths of Scripture.  Here is the excerpt, enjoy:

"O Lord God,
Thou has commanded me to believe in Jesus;
and I would flee to no other refuge,
was in no other fountain,
build on no other foundation,
receive from no other fullness,
rest in no other relief.

His water and blood were not severed
in their flow at the cross,
may they never be separated in my creed
and experiences;

May I be equally convinced of the guillt
and pollution of sin,
feel my need of a prince and saviour,
implore of Him repentance as well as forgiveness,
love holiness, and be pure in heart,
have the mind of Jesus, and tread in His steps.

Let me not be at my own disposal,
but rejoice that I am under the care of one
who is too wise to err, 
too kind to injure,
too tender to crush.

May I scandalize none by my temper and conduct,
but recommend and endear Christ to all around,
bestow good on every one as circumstances permit,
and decline no opportunity of usefulness.

Grant that I may value my substance,
not as the medium of pride and luxury,
but as the means of my support and stewardship.

Help me guide my affections with discretion,
to owe no many anything,
to be able to give to him that needeth,
to feel it my duty and pleasure to be merciful
and forgiving,
to show the world the likeness of Jesus." 

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