regeneration

My version of a prayer from the Puritan prayer book, The Valley of Vision.

Oh God of the Highest Heaven, occupy the throne of my heart, take full possession, and reign supreme. Lay low every rebel lust, let no vile passion resist Your holy war; manifest Your mighty power and make me Yours forever.

You are worthy to be praised with my every breath, level with every part of my soul, and served with my every act of life. You have loved me, married me, received me, purchased, washed, favored, clothed, adorned me when I was worthless, vile, soiled, and polluted. I was dead in sin, unable to see or hear You; I could not relish in Your joys or understand Your wisdom. But Your spirit has given me spiritual perception, opened me to the Word as light, guide, solace, and joy.

Your presence is a treasure of unending peace. No sin can separate me from Your sympathy, for You have captured me with cords of love and You forgive me daily - hourly.

Help me then to walk in a manner worthy of Your love, of my hopes, and of my choices. Keep me, for I cannot keep myself; protect me so that no evil will hurt me. Let me lay aside every sin that may be admired by many; help me to walk by Your side, lean on Your arm, and actively pray with You so I may be salt of the earth and a blessing to all.