Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Eternal and ever-blessed God! I humbly present myself before you.

I am aware how unworthy a sinner like me appears before the holy Majesty of heaven, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

But here I dedicate myself, without reserve, to you.

This is your plan. You stooped down to offer it by your Son, and your grace has inclined my heart to accept. I say “God have mercy on me, a sinner!”

I come, invited in the name of your Son, wholly trusting in his perfect righteousness. For his sake be merciful, and remember my sins no more.

Receive me, I beg you. I am convinced of your right to me, and desire nothing more than to be yours.

Today I solemnly surrender myself to you. I renounce all former lords that had dominion over me.

I consecrate to you all that I am, and all that I have: my mind, body, possessions, time, and influence over others.

I dedicate all to be used entirely for your glory, in obedience to your command, as long as you give me life.

I desire to continue with you through endless ages of eternity. I will stand ready to immediately follow your will with zeal and joy.

I resign myself—all I am and have—for you to use in your infinite wisdom, however you choose, for your glory.

I leave the management of my life to you. I say without reservation, “Not my will, but yours be done.” And I rejoice in your unlimited government.

Use me, Lord, as an instrument of your service. Number me among your chosen people. Wash me in the blood of your dear Son. Clothe me with his righteousness and sanctify me by his Spirit.

Transform me more and more into the image of Christ. Impart to me all the influences I need of your purifying, cheering, and comforting Spirit. Let me spend my life under those influences, in the light of your countenance.

And when the hour of death comes, may I remember your covenant, “ordered in all things, and sure”—grant me “all my salvation, and all my desire” (2 Samuel 23:5).

Though every hope and enjoyment perish, Lord, look down with pity on your child. Embrace me in your everlasting arms.

Put strength and confidence into my departing spirit, as I peacefully and joyfully await the fulfillment of your promise to your people—a glorious resurrection and eternal happiness in your heavenly presence.

And if any surviving friends should, when I am in the dust, come across this memorial of my transaction with you, may they make it their own. Allow them to take part in the blessings of your covenant, through Jesus the great Mediator.

To him, and with you, O Father, and your Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise from all the millions you save, and from the celestial spirits whose work and blessings you share!

Amen.