Philip Doddridge: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

While I feel your sacred Spirit breathing on my heart, causing me to love you, I also feel the reality of this human, animal life.

If ever I knew the appetite of hunger, my soul hungers after righteousness—and longs to be more like you.

If ever I felt thirst, so also my soul thirsts for the living God—and pants for more of your favor.

If ever I have longed for my bed after a long journey, my soul rests on your grace—and returns for rest in your embrace.

And if ever I have enjoyed seeing the face of a friend, I rejoice in seeing your face, O Lord—and in calling you my Father in Christ.

That is who you are, and that is who you will be, for time and for eternity. What more can I do, but commit myself to you for both?

I leave it to you to choose my inheritance and order my affairs. My only business is to serve you, and all my delight is to praise you.

My soul follows hard after you, God, because your right hand upholds me. Let it still bear me up, and I will press on toward you, until all my desires are fulfilled in the eternal enjoyment of you!

Amen.