One of the books I've been reading is The Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions.by Arthur Bennett.
I'm not sure who recommended it to me, but I have this idea in my head that it might have been my younger brother. He and his wife are voracious readers.
I'm reading a library copy right now and can't mark it up or dogtag pages, and that is highly unfortunate, as there are so many little turns of phrases that I would love to come back and ponder. The prayers are so well laid out, so beautifully theological. It's refreshing to read "deep" prayers instead of the spontaneous ones that exit haphazardly from my own heart and mouth, and it's given me a lot to think about in regard to how I pray.
There are several about need for grace and confession of sin that have been edifying to read, but here is one that just suits tonight as I'm about to go to sleep. I've tried to keep the formatting the same as it is in the book. May you be blessed as you read it.
EVENING PRAISE
Giver of all,
Another day is ended
And I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross
where healing streams continually descend,
where balm is poured into every wound,
where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood,
assured that thou seest in me no spots of sin.
Yet a little while and I shall go to thy home and be no more seen;
Help me to gird up the loins of my mind,
to quicken my step,
to speed as if each moment were my last,
that my life be joy, my death glory.
I thank thee for the temporal blessings of this world--
the refreshing air,
the light of the sun,
the food that renews strength,
the raiment that clothes,
the dwelling that shelters,
the sleep that gives rest,
the starry canopy of night,
the summer breeze,
the flowers' sweetness,
the music of flowing streams,
the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.
Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort.
My cup runs over.
Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.
Thy hand bestows blessings: thy power averts evil.
I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces,
the full warmth of faith,
the cheering presence of thy Spirit,
the strength of thy restraining will,
thy spiking of hell's artillery.
Blessed be my sovereign Lord!
I'm not sure who recommended it to me, but I have this idea in my head that it might have been my younger brother. He and his wife are voracious readers.
I'm reading a library copy right now and can't mark it up or dogtag pages, and that is highly unfortunate, as there are so many little turns of phrases that I would love to come back and ponder. The prayers are so well laid out, so beautifully theological. It's refreshing to read "deep" prayers instead of the spontaneous ones that exit haphazardly from my own heart and mouth, and it's given me a lot to think about in regard to how I pray.
There are several about need for grace and confession of sin that have been edifying to read, but here is one that just suits tonight as I'm about to go to sleep. I've tried to keep the formatting the same as it is in the book. May you be blessed as you read it.
EVENING PRAISE
Giver of all,
Another day is ended
And I take my place beneath my great redeemer's cross
where healing streams continually descend,
where balm is poured into every wound,
where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood,
assured that thou seest in me no spots of sin.
Yet a little while and I shall go to thy home and be no more seen;
Help me to gird up the loins of my mind,
to quicken my step,
to speed as if each moment were my last,
that my life be joy, my death glory.
I thank thee for the temporal blessings of this world--
the refreshing air,
the light of the sun,
the food that renews strength,
the raiment that clothes,
the dwelling that shelters,
the sleep that gives rest,
the starry canopy of night,
the summer breeze,
the flowers' sweetness,
the music of flowing streams,
the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.
Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort.
My cup runs over.
Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.
Thy hand bestows blessings: thy power averts evil.
I bring my tribute of thanks for spiritual graces,
the full warmth of faith,
the cheering presence of thy Spirit,
the strength of thy restraining will,
thy spiking of hell's artillery.
Blessed be my sovereign Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment