I spent two days home this past week with the flu. During those days, I devoted a considerable amount of time meditating on several Puritan prayers. The one I’ve quoted below spoke very deeply to my heart. I trust it will speak to your heart as well.


The Cry of a Convicted Sinner
The Valley of Vision, p. 68-69, Published by The Banner of Truth Trust, author unknown

“THOU RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY SOVEREIGN,
in whose hand is my life and whose are all my ways. Keep me from fluttering about religion; fix me firm in it, for I am irresolute. My decisions are smoke and vapor, and I do not glorify thee or behave according to thy will. Cut me not off before my thoughts grow to responses, and the budding of my soul into full flower, for thou art forbearing and good, patient and kind.

Save me from myself, from the artifices and deceits of sin, from the treachery of my perverse nature, from denying thy charge against my offenses, from a life of continual rebellion against thee, from wrong principles, views, and ends; for I know that all my thoughts, affections, desires and pursuits are alienated from thee.

I have acted as if I hated thee, although thou art love itself; have contrived to tempt thee to the uttermost, to wear out thy patience; have lived evilly in word and action.

Had I been a prince I would long ago have crushed such a rebel. Had I been a father I would long since have rejected my child. O, thou Father of my spirit, thou king of my life, cast me not into destruction, drive me not from thy presence, but wound my heart that it may be healed; break it that thine own hand may make it whole”


Can I encourage you to read and re-read this prayer. Let it sink deeply into your mind and heart. Ask God to show you yourself in the words of the prayer. I did, and I did not like what I saw at times. The author of this prayer, although anonymous, understood the sinful nature of his heart in contrast to the patience and lovingkindness of God. We would do well to model his attitudes and longing. Would you agree?