Over the years I have embraced the prayers written in the little book "A Diary of Private Prayer" by John Baillie, Published in 1949. He was a Professor of Divinity in the University of Edinburgh and Principal of New College, Chaplain to the Queen of Scotland.
The prayers are written in old English style, but I find them powerful and relevant to my life today! Let me share one of the Morning Prayers from this treasured little book.
"O Lord God, I praise and magnify Thy name that thus Thou hast set Thy seal upon my inmost being, not leaving me to my own poor and petty selfhood or to the sole empire of animal passion and desire, but calling me to be an heir of Thine eternal Kingdom. I bless Thee for that knocking at my heart's door that warns me of Thy waiting presence. I bless Thee for Thy hand upon my life, and of the sure knowledge that, however I may falter and fail, yet underneath are Thine everlasting arms.
O Thou who alone knowest what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to Thee. Let me be in the world, yet not of it. Let me use this world without abusing it. If I buy, let me be as though I possessed not. If I have nothing, let me be as though possessing all things. Let me today embark on no undertaking that is not in line with Thy will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which Thy will may demand. Suggest, direct, control every movement of my mind; for my Lord Christ's sake. Amen.
"Let me be in the world, yet not of it."
ReplyDeleteAmen.
However I may falter and fail, yet underneath are Thine everlasting arms. Amen and Amen!! :-)
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