In the tradition I grew up in, Saturday was considered a prelude to Sunday. It was a day of preparation for the Lord’s Day to come. I recently read a biography of theologian John Murray and enjoyed reading about how he understood the day in the same way (which makes good sense since he was also Presbyterian). Saturday evenings, in particular, were to be set aside for Sunday preparation. It reminded me of my youth.
In reading The Valley of Vision I found this prayer and have made it mine today. I suspect Murray would do the same.
Another week has gone and I have been preserved
in my going out,
in my coming in.
Thine has been the vigilance that has turned threatened evils aside;
thine the supplies that have nourished me;
Thine the comforts that have indulged me;
Thine the relations and friends that have delighted me;
Thine the means of grace which have edified me;
Thine the Book, which, amidst all my enjoyments, has told me that this is not my rest,
that in all successes one thing alone is needful, to love my Saviour.
Nothing can equal the number of they mercies but my imperfections and sins.
These, O God, I will neither conceal nor palliate, but confess with a broken heart.
In what condition would secret reviews of my life leave me
were it not for the assurance that with thee there is plenteous redemption,
that thou art a forgiving God,
that thou mayest be feared!
While I hope for pardon through the blood of the cross,
I pray to be clothed with humility,
to be quickened in thy way,
to be more devoted to thee,
to keep the end of my life in view,
to be cured of the folly of delay and indecision,
to know how frail I am,
to number my days and apply my heart unto wisdom.
Comments (4) »
1. Matt Monge
January 27, 2008
1:14 AM
The prayers of the Puritans are so deep, rich, and meaningful. Thanks for posting this one. Their prayers are a wonderful reminder of how we ought to approach the Almighty.
2. Bernard
January 27, 2008
4:42 AM
The Jewish day went from evening to evening, so there is every reason to continue that way od doing things. With Saturday evening as the start of Sunday. I wonder. Most Christians have their church services all on our Sunday. A few keep a saturday Sabbath. How many keep Sunday as the sabbathm but how Jesus would have recognised it - starting with services/prayers on Saturday evening and continuing on Sunday? With sunday evening as the start of Monday of course.
3. Mel
January 29, 2008
11:01 PM
What a beautiful and humbling prayer!
Thanks for posting it. You’ve made me search for the book :) .
May I post this entire prayer at my blog, while linking it to this page? I don’t want the readers to miss it just because they’re too lazy to click (which happens oftentimes with the various links I’ve already placed on several of my posts).
Thanks, and God bless you!
4. ashley b
February 6, 2008
9:51 PM
late to this post, but Tim, your use of my “tradition” is very liberal episcopalian of you.
Props on the Valley of Vision prayers, though!
Ashley B