Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Blessed God! Meet me in the evening, Lord. Help me to choose the best time for regular reading and prayer, and to look at my devotion as you do.

Do not let me deceive myself, but let me judge myself as one who expects God to judge. I want to be approved by you, the one who searches all hearts.

Let my prayer come before you as incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be like the morning and the evening sacrifice.

May I fall asleep in sweet serenity, knowing I have lived to God this day, convinced that I am accepted in Christ Jesus my Lord, and humbly trusting in your mercy through him—whether I live many more years or not.

If death comes upon me slowly, may it find me busy in your service. And if I am called on to suddenly exchange worlds, may I still be living my life to please you.

Either way, may I have a sweet and easy passage from the services of time to the infinitely nobler services of an immortal state.

I ask it through him, who, while on earth, was the best example of every virtue and grace, and who now lives and reigns with you, always able to save.

Having done all, I will fly to him with the humble acknowledgment that I am an “unworthy servant.”

To him be glory forever and ever.

Amen.