I have a book of Puritan Prayers that I like reading before bed. Usually I read a different one each night, but I’ve stuck with this one for the last few days and thought I’d share it. Read slowly and enjoy! 🙂
REFUGE
O LORD,
Whose power is infinite and wisdom infallible,
Order things that they may neither hinder, nor discourage me,
– nor prove obstacles to the progress of thy cause;
Stand between me and all strife, that no evil befall,
– no sin corrupt my gifts, zeal, attainments;
May I follow duty and not any foolish device of my own;
Permit me not to labor at work which thou will not bless,
– that I may serve thee without disgrace or debt;
Let me dwell in thy most secret place under thy shadow,
– where is safe impenetrable protection from
- the arrow that flieth by day,
- the pestilence that walketh in darkness,
- the strife of tongues,
- the malice of ill-will,
- the hurt of unkind talk,
- the snares of company,
- the perils of youth,
- the temptations of middle life,
- the mournings of old age,
- the fear of death.
I am entirely dependent upon thee for support, counsel, consolation,
Uphold me by thy free Spirit,
– and may I not think it enough to be preserved from falling,
– but may I always go forward,
– always abounding in the work thou givest me to do,
Strengthen me by thy Spirit in my inner self
– for every purpose of my Christian life.
All my jewels I give to the shadow of the safety that is in thee –
– my name anew in Christ,
– my body, soul, talents, character,
– my success, wife, children, friends, work,
– my present, my future, my end.
Take them, they are thine, and I am thine, now and for ever.
From: “The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions” by Arthur Bennett © The Banner of Truth Trust 1975
