The Cry of a Convicted Sinner

Lent Day 5.

Yesterday, I leaned into the prayer we know as The Jesus Prayer (Luke 18:13). It became my 1 Thessalonians 5:17 prayer. You know the "pray without ceasing" prayer.

It is convicting...and humbling to pray The Jesus Prayer.

And, sometimes, we need a little conviction...and humility. (Sigh)

There are times, we need that glimpse of the Pharisee and the Publican wrestling inside of us.

This morning, I happened to pick up Valley of Vision: "A book drawn from the largely forgotten deposit of Puritan spiritual exercises, meditations, and aspirations..."

It is enough to settle in today on this prayer as a follow-up to yesterday. Let these powerful words sink deeply into your soul. They paint quite a picture!!!

The Cry of a Convicted Sinner

Thou righteous and Holy Sovereign

In whose hand is my life and whose are all my ways,

Keep me from fluttering about religion;

     fix me firm in it,

     for I am irresolute;

     my decisions are smoke and vapor,

     and I do not glorify thee,

     or behave according to Thy will;

Cut me not off before my thoughts grow to responses,

and the budding of my soul into full flower,

for Thou art forbearing and good,

patient and kind.

Save me from myself,

     from the artifices and deceits of sin,

     from the treachery of my perverse nature,

     from the denying thy charge against my offenses,

     from a life of continual rebellion against Thee,

     from wrong principles, views, and ends;

     for I know that all my thoughts, affections, desires, and pursuits are alienated from Thee.

I have acted as if I hated Thee, although Thou art love itself;

     have contrived to tempt Thee to the uttermost,

     to wear out Thy patience;

     have lived evilly in word and action.

Had I been a prince

     I would long ago have crushed such a rebel;

Had I been a father

     I would long since have rejected my child.

O, Thou Father of my spirit,

     Thou King of my life,

Cast me not into destruction,

Drive me not from thy presence,

but wound my heart that it might be healed;

break it that thine own hand may make it whole.

XXXX

To this I add this one glorious promise: