Based on my dissertation defense preparation, I take this week off from original reflections on leadership. In this preparation, on various moments, I’ve revisited many Puritan prayers, written so many years ago. Today, I share one of those with you.
True Religion
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY,
I ask not to be enrolled amongst the earthly great and rich, but to be numbered with the spiritually blessed. Make it my present, supreme, persevering concern to obtain those blessings which are
spiritual in nature,
eternal in their continuance,
satisfying in their possession.
Preserve me from a false estimate of the whole or a part of my character;
May I pay regard to my principles as well as my conduct, my motives as well as my actions.
Help me never to mistake the excitement of my passions for the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
never to judge my religion by occasional impressions and impulses, but by my constant and prevailing disposition.
May my heart be right with thee, and my life as becometh the gospel.
May I maintain a supreme regard to another and better world, and feel and confess myself a stranger
and a pilgrim here.
Afford me all the direction, defense, support, and consolation my journey hence requires,
And, grant me a mind stayed upon thee.
Give me a large supply of the supply of the Spirit of Jesus, that I may be prepared for every duty,
love thee in all my mercies,
submit to thee in every trial,
trust thee when walking in darkness,
have peace in thee amidst life’s changes.
Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief and uncertainties.
Amen
It is my hopes that this prayer gives you as much comfort as it does me. May your business continue to prosper.
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