Puritan Prayer

I have been reading a book of Puritan Prayers today – I just want to finish out this evening with one that grips my heart:

Great God,

In public and private, in sanctuary and home,

may my life be steeped in prayer,

Filled with the spirit of grace and supplication,

each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood.

Help me, defend me, until from praying ground

I pass to the realm of unceasing praise.

Urged by my need, invited by thy promise,

Called by the Spirit, I enter thy presence,

Worshipping thee with godly fear,

Awed by thy majesty, greatness, glory,

But encouraged by thy love.

I bless thee that great sin draws out great grace,

That, although the least sin deserves infinite punishment

Because done against an infinite God,

Yet there is mercy for me,

For where guilt is most terrible,

There thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.

Bless me by revealing to me more of his saving merits,

By causing thy goodness to pass before me,

By speaking peace into my contrite heart;

Strengthen me to give thee no rest until Christ

Shall reign supreme within me,

In every thought, word, and deed,

In a faith that purifies the heart,

Overcomes the world

Works by love, fastens me to thee,

And ever clings to the cross

From: "The Valley of Vision - A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions"

Edited by Arthur Bennett

The Banner of Truth Trust 1975