Puritan Prayers

My daughter and son-in-law gave my husband a book of Puritan prayers for Christmas. They are so lovely, I thought I'd share them on Sundays in the new year (getting a start the last day of 2006).

The book provides a bibliography but does not give the author of individual prayers. Below is the prayer titled, "New Year".


New Year
O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
except the days are passed in thy presence,
in they service, to thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
sustains,sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart from thee,
but may rely on thy Spirit
to supply every thought,
speak in every word,
direct every step,
prosper every work,
build up every mote of faith,
and give me a desire
to show forth thy praise;
testify thy love,
advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bar on the unknown waters
of this year,
with thee, O Father, as my harobur,
thee, O son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
my lamp burning,
my ear open to thy calls,
my heart full of love,
my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,
thy comforts to cheer,
thy wisdom to teach,
thy right hand to guide,
thy counsel to instruct,
thy law to judge,
thy presence to stabilize.
May thy fear be my awe,
thy triumphs my joy.

From: The Valley of Vision, Banner of Trust Truth