ALL-SEARCHING GOD,
Thou readest the heart, viewest principles and motives of actions, seest more defilement in my duties than I ever saw in any of my sins. The heavens are not clean in Thy sight, and Thou chargest the angels with folly; I am ready to flee from myself because of my abominations; yet Thou dost not abhor me but hast devised means for my return to Thee, and that, by Thy Son who died to give me life.
Thine honour is secured and displayed even in my escape from my threats, and that, by means of Jesus in whom mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace kiss each other.
In Him the enslaved fine redemption, the guilty pardon, the unholy renovation; in Him are everlasting strength for the weak, unsearchable riches for the needy, treasures of wisdom and knowledge for the ignorant, fullness for the empty.
At Thy gracious call I hear, take, come, apply, receive His grace, not only submit to His mercy but acquiesce in it, not only in the cross but in Him crucified and slain, not only joy in forgiveness but in the One through whom atonement comes.
Thy blessings are as secure as they are glorious; Thou hast provided for my safety and my prosperity, and hast promised that I shall stand firm and grow stronger. O Lord God, without Thy pardon of my sin I cannot rest satisfied without the renovation of my nature by grace I can never rest easy, without the hopes of heaven I can never be at peace.
All this I have in Thy Son Jesus Christ; blessed be His Name!
- From Valley of Vision, a Collection of Puritan Prayers
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