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
The world teaches us to climb—higher status, greater influence, more recognition. We’re told that success is measured by how far we rise and how many notice. But Jesus turns that ladder upside down. His path wasn’t toward the spotlight but away from it. He chose humility over applause, service over status, and the cross over a crown. His life is a quiet invitation: follow me, not up—but down.
This downward way isn’t defeat—it’s the doorway to the Kingdom. Jesus shows us that true greatness is found in lowering ourselves to lift others up. It’s in unseen kindness, gentle courage, and self-giving love that we begin to reflect the heart of Christ. And when we walk that path—choosing last place, backstage, and the towel over the throne—we don’t lose ourselves. We find life that truly lasts. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics