Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

You are the bountiful Father and sovereign Author of all good, whether natural or spiritual.

I bless you for the talents with which you have enriched me, and which I do not deserve.

But my soul is in shambles before you when I consider how little I have put them to good use.

Compared to what you might reasonably have expected, what have I done with all the gifts you bestowed—the abilities, time, talents, possessions, and influence?

Through my own negligence and foolishness, the only result is a barren wilderness, where I might have seen a fruitful field and abundant harvest!

I deserve to be stripped of everything and brought to immediate account—condemned for unfaithfulness to you, to the world, and to my own soul. I ought to be cast into the prison of eternal darkness.

But you, Lord, have freely forgiven the dreadful debt of ten thousand talents. I adore you for this.

Accept my renewed surrender, Lord. I again submit myself and all that I have to serve you. I admit that I give you only what is your own to begin with.

Make me a faithful steward for my great Lord, I beg you. And do not let me consider my own interests, those opposing yours.

I adore you, God of all grace! Let me feel a love for others rise in my soul. Open my heart so I may reach out to serve.

Help me to be fair and thankful in determining what is my own share—the portion you intend for me and my family. For the rest, help me to faithfully, cheerfully, and wisely distribute your bounty to those who need it most.

Guide my hand, ever-merciful Father! I am honored to be your instrument.

And if it is your gracious will, would you also multiply the seed sown and prosper me in order that I may have even more to give to those in need?

And then would you lead me on to the place of unlimited plenty and compassion, where I may see many that I had helped on earth. And—if it is your will—also many of those whom I introduced to saving faith.

They will entertain me in their home of glory!

In time and eternity, Lord, accept the praise of all, through Jesus Christ—at whose feet I would bow.

And in the end, after I have run my course, I will die at his feet, worshiping him then with sincere humility and gratitude as if for the first time.

Amen.