The Valley of Vision

May his comforts cheer me in my sorrows, his strength sustain me in my trials, his blessings revive me in my weariness, his presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness, his might establish me in peace and joy, his incitements make me ceaseless in prayer.

Herein is love; when I cannot rise to him he draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to himself.

What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts, thine own dear Son, begotten, not created, my Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute, his self-emptying incomprehensible, his infinity of love beyond the heart’s grasp.

Grant me to feel thee in fire, and food and every providence, and to see that thy many gifts and creatures are but thy hands and fingers taking hold of me.

In thy fellowship is fullness of joy, Beneath thy smile is peace of conscience, By thy side no fears disturb, no apprehensions banish rest of mind, With thee my heart shall bloom with fragrance; Make me meet, through repentance, for thine indwelling.

Give me increase and progress in grace so that there may be more decision in my character, more vigour in my purposes, more elevation in my life, more fervour in my devotion, more constancy in my zeal.

The world is artful to entrap, approaches in fascinating guise, extends many a gilded bait, presents many a charming face. Let my faith scan every painted bauble, and escape every bewitching snare in a victory that overcomes all things.

May I be poor, afflicted, despised and have thy blessing, rather than be successful in enterprise, or have more than my heart can wish, or be admired by my fellow-men, if thereby these things make me forget thee.

My trials have been fewer than my sins, and when I have kissed the rod it has fallen from thy hands. Thou hast often wiped away my tears, restored peace to my mourning heart, chastened me for my profit. All thy work for me is perfect, and I praise thee.

Thou hast done for me all things well, hast remembered, distinguished, indulged me. All my desires have not been gratified, but thy love denied them to me when fulfilment of my wishes would have proved my ruin or injury.

...Then may I cling more closely to thy broken self, adhere to thee with firmer faith, be devoted to thee with total being, detest sin as strongly as thy love to me is strong, And may holiness be the atmosphere in which I live.

Blessed Lord Jesus, at thy cross may I be taught the awful miseries from which I am saved, ponder what the word ‘lost’ implies, see the fires of eternal destruction...

I confide in thee and lean upon thee, and need thee at all times to assist and lead me. O that all my distresses and apprehensions might prove but Christ’s school to make me fit for greater service by teaching me the great lesson of humility.

Thy main plan, and the end of thy will is to make Christ glorious and beloved in heaven where he is now ascended, where one day all the elect will behold his glory and love and glorify him for ever.

There I shall be near thee, dwell with my family,stand in thy presence chamber, be an heir of thy kingdom, as the spouse of Christ, as a member of his body, one with him who is with thee, and exercise all my powers of body and soul in the enjoyment of thee.

May I arrive where means of grace cease and I need no more to fast, pray, weep, watch, be tempted, attend preaching and sacrament; where nothing defiles, where is no grief, sorrow, sin, death, separation, tears, pale face, languid body, aching joints.

Move, I pray thee, upon my disordered heart; Take away the infirmities of unruly desires and hateful lusts; Lift the mists and darkness of unbelief; Brighten my soul with the pure light of truth.

Thou who dost proceed from the Father and the Son, have mercy on me.

O thou who hast the hearts of all men in thine hand, form my heart according to the Word, according to the image of thy Son, So shall Christ the Word, and his Word, be my strength and comfort.

For all my mercies come through Christ, who has designed, purchased, promised, effected them.