The Prayer of Love
GRACIOUS LORD, Thy name is love, in love receive my prayer.
My sins are more than the wide sea’s sand, but where sin abounds, there is grace more abundant. Look to the cross of thy beloved Son, and view the preciousness of his atoning blood.
Listen to his never-failing intercession, and whisper to my heart, Thy sins are forgiven, be of good cheer, lie down in peace. Grace cataracts from heaven and flows forever, and mercy never wearies in bestowing benefits.
Grant me more and more than to prize the privilege of prayer, and to come to thee as a sin-soiled sinner, to find pardon in thee, to converse with thee; But I bring Jesus to thee in the arms of faith, pleading his righteousness to offset my iniquities, rejoicing that he will weigh down the scales for me, and satisfy thy justice.
I bless thee that great sin draws out great grace, that, although the least sin deserves infinite punishment because done against an infinite God, yet there is mercy for me, for where guilt is most terrible, there thy mercy in Christ is most free and deep.
Bless me by revealing to me more of his saving merits, by causing thy goodness to pass before me, by speaking peace to my contrite heart.
Strengthen me to give thee no rest until Christ shall reign supreme within me, in every thought, word, and deed, in a faith that purifies the heart, overcomes the world, works by love, fastens me to thee, and ever clings to the cross.
—Valley of Vision
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). This truth should cheer our hearts no matter where we find ourselves; we’re never beyond His love and its grip. In this prayer, the petitioner recognizes that our sin draws us to God for His loving response; like a shower to cleanse us, we are refreshed and renewed. The more of His love we discover and experience, the more it draws us as we move through life and the more it buoys us in life’s storms. Utilize this prayer as your heart’s cry today. Seize on His loving invitation to come, find renewal, courage, and strength to walk forward, “fastened” to Him. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics