True Religion

If only mine was an attitude more like this -

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 their 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, defence, support, 

and consolation my journey hence requires,

and grant me a mind stayed upon thee.

Give me large abundance 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.

(The Valley of Vision)