for thoughts and ponderings

From "The Valley of Vision" found at Banner of Truth:

O God,

Though I am allowed to approach thee

I am not unmindful of my sins,

I do not deny my guilt,

I confess my wickedness, and earnestly

plead forgiveness.



May I with Moses choose affliction rather than

enjoy the pleasures of sin.

Help me to place myself always under thy guiding

and guardian care,

to take firmer hold of the sure covenant that

binds me to thee,

to feel more of the purifying, dignifying,

softening influence of the religion I profess,

to have more compassion, love, pity, courtesy,

to deem it an honour to be employed by thee

as an instrument in thy hands,

ready to seize every opportunity of usefulness,

and willing to offer all my talents to thy service.



Thou hast done for me all things well,

hast remembered, distinguished, indulged me.

All my desires have not been gratified,

but thy love denied them to me

when fulfilment of my wishes would have

proved my ruin or injury.

My trials have been fewer than my sins,

and when I have kissed the rod it has fallen

from thy hands.

Thou hast often wiped away my tears,

restored peace to my mourning heart,

chastened me for my profit.

All thy work for me is perfect,

and I praise thee.