I had a bit of a rough week—or at least a rough end to the week. I was struggling with a strange infection through the week and by Friday and Saturday was pretty well laid out, unable even to stand up a lot of the time (since the pain was far worse standing than lying flat on my back). Thankfully it seems that I’m on the mend. While I was lying around I thought of The Valley of Vision and sought out prayers for times of illness or trial and here is an old Puritan prayer that I enjoyed.
Father of Mercies, Hear me for Jesus’ sake. I am sinful even in my closest walk with thee; it is of thy mercy I died not long ago; Thy grace has given me in the cross by which thou hast reconciled thyself to me and me to thee, drawing me by thy great love, reckoning me as innocent in Christ though guilty in myself.
Giver of all graces, I look to thee for strength to maintain them in me, for it is hard to practise what I believe. Strengthen me against temptations. My heart is an unexhausted fountain of sin, a river of corruption since childhood days, flowing on in every pattern of behaviour; Thou hast disarmed me of the means in which I trusted, and I have no strength but in thee.
Thou alone canst hold back my evil ways, but without thy grace to sustain me I fall. Satan’s darts quickly inflame me, and the shield that should quench them easily drops from my hand: Empower me against his wiles and assaults. Keep me sensible of my weakness, and of my dependence upon thy strength. Let every trial teach me more of thy peace, more of thy love.
Thy Holy Spirit is given to increase thy graces, and I cannot preserve or improve them unless he works continually in me. May he confirm my trust in thy promised help, and let me walk humbly in dependence upon thee, for Jesus’ sake.
Comments (6) »
1. Rob
August 24, 2008
2:29 PM
Beautiful. Thank you.
2. diane
August 24, 2008
2:46 PM
Tim, So sorry that you were so sick! I am grateful to God that you are on the mend! Thank you for your humble example of turning to God in prayer.
3. John Watson
August 24, 2008
3:04 PM
Thanks for sharing this with everyone. I love the prayers in that book. At the beginning of the summer, my wife was in the hospital for 10 days with a rare infection that resulted in surgery. The Valley of Vision was a constant companion as I sat by her bedside. So encouraging and convicting at the same time. Hope you feel better soon.
4. David Bissett
August 24, 2008
11:02 PM
Hey Tim, I hope your recovery is quick and complete.
5. matthew lipscomb
August 25, 2008
4:43 AM
…will remember you in prayer - and believe for a speedy recovery
6. lisa
August 29, 2008
2:43 PM
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt and beautiful prayer.
It is encouraging to see the desire for Godly character in some one so young.
Spurgeon said something that I found helpful:
“Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord.” The desire of Moses, “I beseech thee, show me thy glory,” can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all iniquity. We shall “see him as he is,” and “every one that hath this hope in him purifieth himself.” The enjoyment of present fellowship and the hope of the beatific vision are urgent motives for purity of heart and life. Lord, make us pure in heart that we may see Thee!”
Spurgeon, (what a guy!), is so right, but he fails to mention the other side of this coin.
Over the years, for me, it has become more not purifying myself to behold His Glory, but the beholding of His Glory being the vehicle for purifying me. To see Him as He is revealed in scripture, through His Spirit, acknowledging again His provision for me on the cross….seeking His face…it is His kindness that leads us to repentance, it is His glory that captivates and focuses our walk.
Only the spiritual weapons work in this warfare.