New Beginnings
INCOMPREHENSIBLE, GREAT, AND GLORIOUS GOD,
I adore thee and abase myself.
I approach thee mindful that I am less than nothing,
a creature worse than nothing.
My thoughts are not screened from thy gaze.
My secret sins blaze in the light of thy countenance.
Enable me to remember that blood
which cleansethall sin,
to believe in that grace which subdues all iniquities,
to resign myself to that agency which can deliver me
from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.
Thou hast begun a good work in me
and canst alone continue and complete it.
Give me an increasing conviction of my tendency to err,
and of my exposure to son.
Help me feel more of the purifying, softening influence of religion,
It’s compassion, love, pity, courtesy,
and employ me as thy instrument in blessing others.
Give me to distinguish
between the mere form of godliness and it’s power,
between life and a name to live,
between guile and truth,
between hypocrisy and a religion
that will bear thy eye.
If I am not right, set me right, keep me right;
And may I at last come to thy house in peace.
—Valley of Vision
How often do we bow our heads to pray and address our God as Incomprehensible, Great and Glorious? We can never forget who it is we are petitioning! When we approach recognizing and confessing our own shortcomings and want of holiness, we cannot help but long for Divine remedy and blessings to cleanse us and sanctify us, set apart for holiness. And what a way to close such a prayer, by confessing ‘If I am not right, set me right, and keep me right! For in this intimacy with God we find peace. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics