Isaac Ambrose: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

O Lord, I have no graces by nature. I have no power to cleanse my own heart.

I have defaced your image, but I cannot repair it. I can say with the apostle that when I want to do well, evil is present with me, but I find no means to do what I desire.

Oh when will I be set free to do the work of God, and run the race of his commands? If only I had hope, joy, and love!

Lord, I have heard of your power. You call things that are not, as if they were. If you desire it, you can work in me these graces, just as you gloriously created them in Adam.

Lord, I have also heard of your grace and truth. You are as faithful to keep as you are generous to make these precious promises. Your grace is unsearchable. Your word is purer than silver, seven times refined. Oh make good your promises! Replenish me with your grace!

Amen.