Robert Hawker: Piercing Heaven – Puritan’s Prayers

Risen and exalted Jesus, send down your ascension gifts. Or better, come down yourself and dwell among us. Set up your church in the earth, and in the hearts and souls of your people. Reign and rule here, Lord of life and glory.

Jesus, you are the glorious vine of your church. Cause me to be so united to you, as a branch in you, the one heavenly plant your Father has planted, that in you my fruit may be found.

I pray that I may always receive a fresh word from you, that I may live upon you, and to you, and rejoice in you. You are the source and fountain of all that is gracious here, and the everlasting spring of glory, happiness, and joy hereafter.

Precious Lord Jesus! Take away all remaining darkness, ignorance, unbelief, and whatever comes in the way of seeing you clearly, or enjoying you. And let the covering which is cast over all people, and the darkness over all faces, be removed for the full enjoyment of you, in grace here and in glory to all eternity,

Amen.