Humility In Service

Reprinted from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions

Edited by Arthur Bennett

MIGHTY GOD,

I humble myself for faculties misused,

opportunities unelected,

words ill-advised,

I repent of my folly and inconsiderate ways,

my broken resolutions untrue service,

my backsliding steps,

my vain thoughts.

O bury my sins in the ocean of Jesus’ blood

and let no evil result from my fitful temper,

unseemly behaviour, provoking pettiness.

If by unkindness I have wounded or hurt another,

do thou pour in the balm of heavenly consolation;

If I have turned coldly from need, misery, grief,

do not in just anger forsake me:

If I have withheld relief from penury and pain,

do not withhold thy gracious bounty from me.

If I have shunned those who have offended me,

keep open the door of thy heart to my need.

Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion,

the reign of love my motive,

the law of love my rule.

O thou God of all grace, make me more thankful,

more humble;

Inspire me with a deep sense of my unworthiness

arising from

the depravity of my nature, my omitted duties,

my unimproved advantages, thy commands

violated by me.

With all my calls to gratitude and joy

may I remember

that I have reason for sorrow

and humiliation;

O give me repentance unto life;

Cement my oneness with my blessed Lord,

that faith may adhere to him more immovably,

that love may entwine itself round him

more tightly,

that his Spirit may pervade every fibre

of my being.

Then send me out to make him known

to my fellow-men.