A prayer to be of use in my generation (by William Wilberforce)

‘That I really may be of use in my generation’

‘Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.’ Psalm 71:18

I have a vast multiplicity of objects soliciting my attention and I seem to myself to be failing in the discharge of the duties of my several relations, as Member of Parliament, as father, and as a master [of household servants]. To thee, O God, I fly, through the Saviour; enable me to live more worthy of my holy calling; to be more useful and efficient, that my time may not be frittered away unprofitably to myself and others, but that I really may be of use in my generation, and adorn the doctrine of God my Saviour. I am a poor, helpless creature, Lord, strengthen me.

FOR MEDITATION: 

To be more useful and efficient. Wilberforce learned early in his career as a reformer from the writings of Philip Doddridge, who wrote: ‘nothing conduces more to the advancement of grace than the lively exercise of love to God, and a holy joy in him. I would remind the real Christian of those mercies which tend to excite that love and joy; and in the view of them to animate him to those vigorous efforts of usefulness in life, which so well become his character.’ 

Doddridge then concluded with the following prayer: 

‘Nor would I forget to acknowledge thy favour in rendering me capable of serving others, and giving me in any instance to know how much “more blessed it is to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). I thank thee for a heart which feels the sorrows of the necessitous, and a mind which can make it my early care and refreshment to contrive, according to my little ability, for their relief; for “this also cometh forth from thee, O Lord!” (Isaiah 28:29) the great Author of every benevolent inclination, of every prudent scheme, of every successful attempt to spread happiness around us, or in any instance to lessen distress.’

Adapted from:  Wilberforce, William, and Kevin Belmonte. 2006. 365 Days with Wilberforce. 

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