Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Blessed God! May I know the value of time, and always use it wisely in whatever work you assign me. Whether I eat, or drink, or whatever I do, may it always be to your glory.

May every refreshment and release from my work prepare me to serve you with greater energy and resolve.

And when afflictions come—which I expect in this world—may I remember that they come from you. And may that understanding fully reconcile me to them.

Because the same love which gives us our daily bread also gives us our daily crosses. Teach me to take them up, and follow you, Lord, with the same attitude you showed while climbing to Calvary for my sake. Help me to say, as you did, “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

And when I enter into temptation, Lord, deliver me from evil.

Make me aware of my own weakness, that you may strengthen me as needed.

While I am with others, help me to do and receive as much good as possible, looking to my life’s greatest purpose by honoring you in everything.

And when I am alone, help me always to remember that my Heavenly Father is with me. Help me to enjoy your presence and power as it awakens me to think and act in your sight.

So let me spend my days, ending them always in the fear of God and under a sense of your gracious presence.

To him be glory forever and ever.

Amen.