Thursday, March 5, 2009

Resting on God: A Puritan Prayer.

Have you ever spoken from your wounds?

Meaning, you said or did something that was a direct result of being hurt




or perhaps it was a defense mechanism for you to keep from admitting that it really did affect you...



This is what I have done this week. I blew it. I goofed. I spoke and acted from my wounds. I should have spoken and acted toward others from the perspective of His great love for me. I let my hurts get the best of me, instead of letting Jesus deal with the worst of me. And yet, He never, ever, ever gives up.



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I love Puritan prayers. They are eloquent and beautiful and are often exactly what my heart wants to say but can't find the words.


Here is one entitled Resting on God. It has been a great comfort to me today.


O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfillment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

I come to Thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, to leave every concern entirely to Thee, every sin calling for Christ's precious blood; revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the great Shepherd, hear His voice, know its tones, follow its calls. Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, burning into me by experience the things I know; Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel, that I may bear its reproach, vindicate it, see Jesus as its essence, know in it the power of the Spirit.

Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; unbelief mars my confidence, sin makes me forget Thee. Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to Thee, that all else is trifling. Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. Abide in me, gracious God.




amen.

pray for my sweet friend Tyler, who is in the hospital now. Thanks.

2 comments:

Christy said...

Like a wise gal told me a few weeks ago.... God know that tomorrow you will try harder and he still LOVES what is in your heart! Love ya!!

Candace said...

Praying that things get better! We all have goofs and mishaps, but God always sees us through them and his love for us is endless, even through our mistakes. Thanks for being such a light in my life! Praying for your and your friend Tyler!