Herman Witsius: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

From eternity, Lord, did you entertain thoughts of glorifying me, a miserable wretch? I am less than nothing.

I will carry you forever in my eyes, and always in my heart. I will delight in meditating on you.

I will cry out, “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How great is the sum of them!”

With true repentance, I regret all the hours, days, weeks, months, and years that have passed without one single holy and pleasing thought of you.

Did you, out of mere love, choose me to salvation? Then I will choose you for my Lord, my King, for the portion of my soul, for my chief—or rather, my only—delight.

Did you choose me from among so many others, who, left to themselves, face eternal destruction?

I will make every effort to surpass others in love, in your worship, and in all the duties of holiness.

Amen.