In a couple of weeks we start a new sermon series in the Book of James called “Faith that Works.” A new Bible Reading Guide will accompany this series, along with daily blog entries. Until then, I am going to share with you, among other things, some snippets from “The Valley of Vision,” a small volume of Puritan prayers. I’ll give you a little advanced warning that the language can sometimes be a bit archaic; however, the truths are just as powerful and fresh and real today as they were when these prayers were first penned.
“…Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy, cast off that I might be brought in, trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend, surrendered to hell’s worst that I might attain heaven’s best, stripped that I might be clothed, wounded that I might be healed, athirst that I might drink, tormented that I might be comforted, made a shame that I might inherit glory, entered darkness that I might have eternal light, my Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes, groaned that I might have endless song, endured all pain that I might have unfading health, bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem, bowed his head that I might uplift mine, experienced reproach that I might receive welcome, closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness, expired and resurrected that I might for ever live…Help me to adore thee by lips and life.”
Amen
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