Isaac Ambrose: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Lord, how dull and remiss I am in the practice of my duty to you. You have said in Jeremiah, “Cursed is the one who does the work of the Lord negligently.” Then what do I deserve? There is no surprise that I feel no power. I deal with you and listen to you halfheartedly. My prayers are cold.

Lord, you love a cheerful giver, but my service is maimed, corrupt, dead, superficial, and uncheerful.

Lord, I have slighted your promises. I have neglected the motions of your Holy Spirit. I have not carefully cultivated the gifts I have received, and I have not labored more and more to be sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Ah, Lord, how miniscule is my holiness! Because of my laziness, your grace is held back.

Lord, you have looked on my poor condition, and you have visited me with mercy from on high. Though I was a stranger and a foreigner, you have made me a free citizen of the new Jerusalem.

Now I see, and I read it in your precious promises, that my name is registered in heaven. An eternal weight of glory is reserved for me. Heaven is my home, my hope, my inheritance.

Where is my heart? With my treasure! I cannot comprehend your love and favor, dear Lord! What kind of mercy is this? What kind of promises? My soul rejoices in you, my God, and my spirit will bless your name forever and ever,

Amen.