Some might think it strange and unusual that a prayer based on Puritan writings could grab so much of what we need to be praying for ourselves as we follow our calling to minister to students in the 21st century. The Valley of Vision book of Puritan prayers has been a faithful prayer guide and companion of mine for several years now. It’s a treasure, really. And if you, like me, desire to learn how to pray like the Puritans did. . . well, this is for you.
This morning I read and prayed the prayer entitled “A Minister’s Strength.” For some reason, it resonated deeply with me. . . hitting a nerve of sorts. It hits on so many of the stumbling blocks and temptations we face in today’s world. The Puritans were so tuned in to these things. . . and we must be as well. I decided this prayer was worth sharing with you all today. And so I include it below. Enjoy the rich language. Contemporize it if you desire. But be sure to pause and reflect as you pray each line.
Unchangeable Jehovah,
When I am discouraged in my ministry and full of doubts of my self,
fasten me upon the rock of thy eternal election,
then my hands will not hang down,
and I shall have hope for myself and others.
Thou dost know thy people by name,
and wilt at the appointed season lead them out of a natural to a gracious state by thy effectual calling.
This is the ground of my salvation,
the object of my desire,
the motive of my ministry.
Keep me from high thoughts of myself or my work,
for I am nothing but sin and weakness;
in me no good dwells,
and my best works are but sin.
Humble me to the dust before thee.
Root and tear out the poisonous weed of self-righteousness,
and show me my utter nothingness;
Keep me sensible of my sinnership;
Sink me deeper into penitence and self-abhorence;
Break the Dagon of pride in pieces before the ark of thy presence;
Demolish the Babel of self-opinion, and scatter it to the wind;
Level to the ground my Jericho walls of a rebel heart;
Then grace, grace, will be my experience and cry.
I am a poor, feeble creature when faith is not in exercise,
like an eagle with pinioned wings;
Grant me to rest on thy power and faithfulness,
and to know that there are two things worth living for:
to further thy cause in the world,
and to do good to the souls and bodies of men;
This is my ministry, my life, my prayer, my end.
Grant me grace that I shall not fail.