Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Come, blessed Spirit, Author of all grace and consolation. Show me my sin in all its worst colors, that I may feel an unwavering hatred of it.

Show me the majesty and mercy of God in such a way that my heart will be alarmed and melted. Convince me, O you blessed Spirit, of sin, righteousness, and repentance.

Show me that I have undone myself, but that my help is found in God alone, in God through Christ, in whom alone he will extend compassion and help to me.

Show me the power of Christ to save! I teach my faith to see him extended on the cross, arms open wide, with a pierced, bleeding side, telling me what room is in his heart for me.

May I know what it is to have my whole heart subdued by love, so subdued as to be crucified with Christ, to be dead to sin and dead to the world, but alive to God through Jesus Christ.

May I confide in his power and love. May I commit my spirit to him without reserve. May I bear his image, observe his laws, and pursue his service.

And through time and eternity may I remain a monument of the power of the gospel, and a trophy of his victorious grace.

O blessed God, if there is any secret sin yet lurking in my soul, anything I have not sincerely renounced, show me and tear it out of my heart—even if it has shot its roots ever so deep, and wrapped them all around, so every nerve would be pained by the separation. Tear it away, Lord, by your graciously severe hand.

By degree, by speed, perfect what is still lacking in my faith. Accomplish in me all the good pleasure of your goodness.

Enrich me, Heavenly Father, with all the grace of your Spirit. Form me into the complete image of your dear Son. And then, for his sake, come to me and manifest your gracious presence in my soul, until it is ripened for glory.

Amen.