Valley of Vision: A Minister's Confession

The Banner of Truth Trust ^ | 1975 | Arthur Bennett

[Gamecock]

O God,

I know that I often do thy work

without thy power,

and sin by my dead, heartless, blind service,

my lack of inward light, love, delight,

my mind, heart, tongue moving

without thy help.

I see sin in my heart in seeking the approbation

of others;

This is my vileness, to make men’s opinion

my rule, whereas

I should see what good I have done,

and give thee glory,

consider what sin I have committed

and mourn for that.

It is my deceit to preach, and pray,

and to stir up others’ spiritual affections

in order to beget commendations,

whereas my rule should be daily

to consider myself more vile than any man

in my own eyes.

But thou dost show thy power by my frailty,

so that the more feeble I am,

the more fit to be used,

for thou dost pitch a tent of grace

in my weakness.

Help me to rejoice in my infirmities

and give thee praise,

to acknowledge my deficiencies before others

and not be discouraged by them,

that they may see thy glory more clearly.

Teach me that I must act by a power supernatural,

whereby I can attempt things above my strength,

and bear evils beyond my strength,

acting for Christ in all,

and have his superior power to help me.

Let me learn of Paul

whose presence was mean,

his weakness great,

his utterance contemptible,

yet thou didst account him faithful and blessed.

Lord, let me lean on thee as he did,

and find my ministry thine.

[Gamecock]

This prayer is taken from a collection of Puritan works titled "The Valley of Vision." First published in 1975 by Arthur Bennett, the book has been used by many Christians for prayer, as a devotional, or just plain reflection.

Earthly duties permitting, I will post one each day and hope that each of you will benefit from a brief glimpse into the mind of the Puritans.

Please let me know If you would like on or off of this list.

[Gamecock]

VoV Ping

Puritan quote of the day:

Sin is the dare of God’s justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power, and the contempt of His love.

John Bunyan (1628-1688)

[TruthConquers]

Thank you for your posts!

[Gamecock]

My pleasure!