Scriptural Convictions
O GOD OF LOVE,
I approach thee with encouragements derived from thy character, for I am not left to feel after thee in the darkness of my nature, nor to worship thee as the unknown God. I cannot find out thy perfections, but I know thou art good, ready to forgive, plenteous in mercy. Thou hast displayed thy wisdom, power, and goodness in all thy works, and hast revealed thy will in the scripture of truth.
Thou hast caused it to be preserved, translated, published, multiplied, so that all men may possess it and find thee in it.
Here I see thy greatness and thy grace, thy pity and thy rectitude, thy mercy and thy truth, thy being and men’s hearts; Through it thou hast magnified thy name and favored mankind with the gospel.
Have mercy on me, for I have ungratefully received thy benefits, little improved my privileges, made light of spiritual things, disregarded thy messages, contended with examples of the good, rebukes of conscience, admonitions of friends, leadings of providence.
I deserve that thy 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 by his presence, holiness by his Spirit: and let me love thee with all my heart.
—Valley of Vision
The beginning of this wonderful prayer echoes Hebrews 4:16, encouraging us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This reminds us that, as believers in Christ, we do not have to approach God timidly or with hesitation. Through Jesus, our great High Priest, we have direct access to the Father, and He invites us to come boldly. His throne is not one of judgment for those in Christ, but of grace—overflowing with mercy, love, and help in every circumstance. When we come before God in prayer, we do so not based on our own worthiness but on the righteousness of Jesus. We can bring our burdens, failures, and struggles before Him with confidence, knowing that He will not turn us away. His grace is always sufficient, His mercy never runs dry, and His help is perfectly timed. May we daily take hold of this invitation, drawing near to God with faith, trusting that He welcomes us with open arms. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics