A minister's confession
(A Puritan Prayer)
O God, I know that I often do Your work without Your power, and sin by . . . my dead, heartless, blind service, my lack of inward light, love, delight, my mind, heart, tongue moving without Your help.
I see my sinful heart in seeking the praise of others. This is my vileness--to seek my own glory. It is my deceit to preach and pray--in order to generate admiration; whereas I should consider myself more vile than any man in my own eyes.
Help me to rejoice in my infirmities and to acknowledge my deficiencies before others.
Keep me from high thoughts of myself or my work, for I am nothing but sin and weakness. In me no good dwells, and my best works are tainted with sin. Humble me to the dust before You. Root and tear out the poisonous weed of pride, and show me my utter nothingness. Keep me sensible of my sinnership. Sink me deeper into penitence and self-abhorrence.
Break the 'Dagon' of pride in pieces before the ark of Your presence!
Demolish the 'Babel' of self-importance and scatter it to the wind!
Level to the ground my 'Jericho walls' of a haughty, rebel heart!
Then grace, free grace, will be my experience and message. This is my ministry, my life, my prayer, my end. Grant me grace that I shall not fail. _________________ CHRISTIAN
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