Monday's Prayer

As I mentioned recently, I was never a fan of printed prayers. Some sectors of the Christian faith use them religiously, but I always viewed prayer as a more personal and spontaneous act. However, shortly before becoming ill in 2008, in my personal devotional time I began using a book of prayers from the Puritans--saints from the 1600's and 1700's. The prayers of these saints were meaningful to me at the time and since then I have used them and other printed prayer resources to stimulate my own prayer life.

Every day this week, I will be providing a printed prayer to prompt your own prayer life. Please don’t rush through it, but allow it to become your own.

The prayer that follows and some of the prayers we are using this week are from The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Copies of this book are available at the Pursuits desk at Salem Alliance.

New Year

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in thy presence,
in thy service, to thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on they Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth thy praise;
to testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
with thee, O Father, as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer me,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy presence to stabilize.

May the fear be my awe,
thy triumphs my joy.