William Gurnall: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Lord, I am hunted with temptation. Either you must pardon it, or I am condemned. Kill it, or I will be a slave to it.

Take me into the bosom of your love for Christ’s sake. Castle me in the arms of your everlasting strength.

It is in your power to save me from, or give me up into the hands of my enemy.

I have no confidence in myself or any other. Into your hands I commit my cause and myself. I rely on you.

I will be your true prisoner. I would rather die by the hand of your justice than continue fighting against your mercy.

Lord, here I am, willing to deliver up all I have and am, to be at your disposal. My will shall be done when you put your will in me.

Cut and carve me however you please, that at last I may be polished and framed according to the plan which love has drawn into your heart for me.

All my gifts and services do not please you, unless with them I give you myself. In the same way, none of these gifts of your bounty can make me content, unless you bestow yourself on me with them.

Amen.