Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Do what you will with us, God. We are your servants! Give us life and support, and the weakest of your children will not stumble at the greatest of your promises on account of unbelief. Strong in faith, we will give you glory.

Lift up our affections to higher and nobler things than what our lowest human nature pursues. Teach us to completely control our bodies, that we would not be cast away from your presence or fall into that horrible place where every ounce of sinful pleasure will be paid for with pounds of misery and despair.

Send your Spirit fully into our hearts, Lord, and teach us to cry “Abba, Father!” As children, draw us to yourself with reverence and confidence. Show us how to love each other, even the family of God you so graciously lead.

Inspire us with that zeal for your glory which will make the honor of your name, the good of your kingdom, and the accomplishment of your will far dearer to us than any interest of our own.

Help us to cheerfully depend on you for our daily needs, and let us be content with the food and clothes you provide.

Help us also to seek your forgiveness for past sins, and give us grace to preserve us from future temptations, or to secure us and protect us in them.

May that sense of our own need for your forgiveness drive us to forgive each other, especially since you have wisely and graciously made this the avenue for receiving our own pardon.

Our corrupt hearts are not inclined this way. But may your almighty power produce in us a new desire, even passion to forgive. And while the comfort is ours may all the glory be yours, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.