It’s been quite a year, for all of us. And though it’s not quite over, I thought this old Puritan prayer, from The Valley of Vision was fitting for us right now:
“O Lord,
We launch our bark on the unknown waters of this year:
With Thee, O Father as our harbour,
Thee, O Son, at our helm,
Thee O Holy Spirit, filling our sails.
Guide us to heaven:
With our souls strengthened,
Our lamp burning,
Our ear open to Thy calls,
Our heart full of love,
Our soul free.
Give us:
Thy grace to sanctify us,
Thy comforts to cheer,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May:
Thy fear be our awe,
Thy triumphs our joy.
Length of days does not profit us except the days are passed:
In Thy presence,
In Thy service,
To Thy glory.
Give us a grace that:
Precedes,
Follows,
Guides,
Sustains,
Sanctifies,
Aids every hour.
That we may not be one moment apart from Thee, but may rely on Thy Spirit:
To supply every thought,
Speak in every word,
Direct every step,
Prosper every work,
Build up every mote of faith.
And give us a desire:
To show forth Thy praise;
Testify Thy love,
And advance Thy kingdom.
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