Matthew Henry: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Lord, you have said that you will be set apart in those who approach you, and before all people you will be glorified. So we worship you, Lord, to glorify your name.

We call on you to deliver us. For all things are of you, and through you, and to you.

We do not approach you in prayer because of our own righteousness. Our sins prevent us from standing before you, but we make mention of Christ’s righteousness—his alone. He is our righteousness.

We know that spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to you only through Christ Jesus. And we cannot hope to receive anything, unless we ask you on his behalf.

Therefore make us accepted in the Beloved, the one who adds much incense to the prayers of saints, and offers them up upon the golden altar before the throne. We come in the name of the great high priest, who is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.

He was touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and is therefore able to save to the uttermost all those that come to God by him. He lives forever, making intercession.

See our shield, O God, and look on the face of your Anointed. With a voice from heaven, you declared yourself well pleased in him. Lord, in him be well pleased with us.

Amen.