National Day of Prayer

One of my all time favorite books is called The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. I use it as a devotional and often use some of its prayers in our worship services.

In recognition of today as the National Day of Prayer, I offer this prayer from that collection for myself, my family, my church and our nation:

Most High God,

The universe with all its myriad creatures is thine,
made by thy word,
upheld by thy power,
governed by thy will.

But thou art also the Father of mercies,
the God of all grace,
the bestower of all comfort,
the protector of the saved.

Thou hast been mindful of us,
hast visited us, preserved us,
given us a goodly heritage -
the Holy Scriptures,
the joyful gospel,
the Saviour of Souls,

We come to thee in Jesus’ name,
make mention of his righteousness only,
plead his obedience and sufferings
who magnified the law both in its precepts
and penalty, and made it honourable.

May we be justified by his blood,
saved by his life,
joined to his Spirit.

Let us take up his cross and follow him.

May the agency of thy grace prepare us for thy dispensations.

Make us willing that thou shouldest
choose our inheritance and
determine what we shall retain or lose,
suffer or enjoy;

If blessed with prosperity may we be
free from its snares,
and use, not abuse, its advantages;

May we patiently and cheerfully
submit to those afflictions which are necessary.

When we are tempted to wander,
hedge up our way,
excite in us abhorrence of sin,
wean us from the present evil world,

Assure us that we shall at last enter
Immanuel’s land where none is ever sick,
and the sun will always shine.