A Prayer of Gratitude

From The Valley of Vision:

O MY GOD,

Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,

my heart admires, adores, loves thee,
for my little vessel is as full as it can be,
and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee

ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,

for adorning it, for sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body thou hast given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;
for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup,
for appetite, taste, sweetness,
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language to express, for what thou art to thy creatures.

Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.

HT: Michael McKinley

Jesus My Glory

O LORD GOD,

Thou hast commanded me to believe in Jesus;

and I would flee to no other refuge,

wash in no other fountain,

build on no other foundation,

receive from no other fullness,

rest in no other relief.

His water and blood were not severed

in their flow at the cross,

may they never be separated in my creed

and experiences.

May I be equally convinced of the guilt

and pollution of sin,

feel my need of a prince and a saviour,

implore of him repentance as well as forgiveness,

love holiness, and be pure in heart,

have the mind of Jesus, and tread in his steps.

Let me not be at my own disposal,

but rejoice that I am under the care of one

who is too wise to err,

too kind to injure,

too tender to crush.

May I scandalize none by my temper and conduct,

but recommend and endear Christ to all around,

bestow good on every one as circumstances

permit,

and decline no opportunity of usefulness.

Grant that I may value my substance,

not as the medium of pride and luxury,

but as the means of my support and stewardship.

Help me to guide my affections with discretion,

to owe no man anything,

to be able to give to him that needeth,

to feel my duty and pleasure to be merciful

and forgiving,

to show to the world the likeness of Jesus.

[The Valley of Vision, 42-43]