Friday, April 16, 2010

N is for The “Nevers” of the Gospel

O Lord,



May I…

Never fail to come to the knowledge of the truth,

Never rest in a system of doctrine, however scriptural, that does not bring or further salvation, or teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly;

Never rely on my own convictions and resolutions, but be strong in Thee and in Thy might;

Never cease to find Thy grace sufficient in all my duties, trials, and conflicts;

Never forget to repair to Thee in all my spiritual distresses and outward troubles, in all the dissatisfactions experienced in creature comforts;

Never fail to retreat to Him who is full of grace and truth, the Friend that loveth at all times, who is touched with the feelings of my infirmities, and can do exceeding abundantly for me;

Never confine my religion to extraordinary occasions, but acknowledge Thee in all my ways;

Never limit my devotions to particular season but be in Thy fear all the day long;

Never be godly only on the Sabbath or in Thy house, but on every day abroad and at home;

Never make piety a dress but a habit, not only a habit ~ but a nature, not only a nature ~ but a life.

Do good to me by all Thy dispensations, by all means of grace, by worship, prayers, praises,

And at last let me enter that world where is no temple, but only Thy glory and the Lamb’s.


From a Prayer recorded in The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, published by The Banner of Truth Trust, edited by Arthur Bennett, reprinted 2001, p. 64

13 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Again a lovely inspirstional blog,
such a joy to read.

Yvonne,

Anonymous said...

The Puritans are often looked at by the world and sad to say many so called Christian groups as being extremists and very legalistic. I personally have always admired them and think the USA owes much of our solid foundation to the Puritans and instead of ridiculing them we should try to be more like them. I realize in our religious pluralistic society that it is impossible but as individual Christians it wouldn't hurt to incorporate a little Puritan piety into our lives.

Scott said...

Good Use of the letter N!!

John said...

Gregg,

These are great!

RCUBEs said...

I "never" wanted to forget to come by and let you know that I had prayed for you after leaving your comment on my site. Great post! May His strength be yours. God bless you bro. Gregg and praying for His provision for you and your family.

Linda said...

Awesome fabulous post. Must print this and put it someplace that I will see it daily.

Raquel Byrnes said...

Never fail to find thy grace sufficient...I love that line. Thank you for this great post.

Beth Zimmerman said...

Amen!

Wanda said...

Now that's a great list of never(s). May I never fail to recognize where my true help comes from.

Rebecca Talley said...

I really enjoyed this post. Wonderful words by which to live. Thank you!

Lisa said...

As I read each line, I asked myself, "Is this what I am doing." I want my answers to always be YES! I really enjoyed this Gregg!

Anonymous said...

wonderful post

Brian Ray Todd said...

What's not to like about the Puritans? We’ve read in the beginning of the Pilgrims' “Mayflower Compact” that stated: “In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith ...” Isn't that the focus for every Christian?