"O God of love, I approach you with encouragements derived from your character, for I am not left to feel after you in the darkness of my nature, nor to worship you as the unknown God.
I cannot find our your perfections, but I know you are good, ready to forgive, plenteous in mercy. You have displayed your wisdom, power, and goodness in all your works, and have revealed your will in the Scripture of truth. You have caused it to be preserved, translated, published, multiplied, so that all men may possess it and find you in it.
Here I see your greatness and your grace, your pity and your rectitude, your mercy and your truth. your being and men's hearts. Through it you have magnified your name, and favored mankind with the gospel. Have mercy on me, for I have ungratefully received your benefits,
little improved my privileges, made light of spiritual things, disregarded your messages, contended with examples of the good, rebukes of conscience, admonitions of friends, leadings of providence. I deserve that your kingdom be taken away from me. Lord, I confess my sin with feeling, lamentation, a broken heart, a contrite spirit, self-abhorrence, self-condemnation, self-despair. Give me relief by Jesus my hope, faith in his name of Savior, forgiveness by his blood,
strength in his presence, holiness by his Spirit: And let me love you with all my heart."
from THE VALLEY OF VISION -- Banner of Truth -- Prayers of the Puritans
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