A Puritan's Prayer
by Charles R. Swindoll

Some years ago I was given a book of Puritan prayers called The Valley of Vision. I have worn out one copy and had to purchase another. I recommend this volume to you. Read the following prayer from the Puritan's pen slowly (preferably aloud).

O LORD, 
I am a shell full of dust, 
but animated with an invisible rational soul 
and made anew by an unseen power of grace; 
Yet l am no rare object of valuable price, 
but one that has nothing and is nothing, 
although chosen of thee from eternity, 
given to Christ, and born again; 
I am deeply convinced of the evil and misery of a sinful state, 
of the vanity of creatures, 
but also of the sufficiency of Christ. 
When thou wouldst guide me I control myself, 
When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself. 
When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself. 
When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself, 
When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will, 
When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself; 
I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself, 
Instead of thee I look to man's approbation, 
and am by nature an idolater. 
Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee. 
Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy, 
nor my own Christ to restore my joy, 
nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, and rule me. . . . 
Then take me to the cross and leave me there.¹

1. Arthur Bennett, ed., The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions (Carlisle, Pa.: The Banner of Truth Trust, © 1975, 1988, 2003).

Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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