Father of Jesus,
Dawn is here again, but without your light within me
no outward light can benefit me;
Give me the saving lamp of your Spirit that I may see you,
the God of my salvation, the delight of my soul,
rejoicing over me in love.
I give my heart to your watchful care, for I know its treachery and power;
Guard its every opening from the wily enemy,
Give me quick awareness of his deadly arts,
Help me to recognize his bold disguise as an angel of light,
and command him to depart.
May my words and works allure others to the highest walks of faith and love!
May sluggish saints be inspired to greater diligence by my example!
May those of this world be won to delight in knowing you!
May the timid and wavering be warned of coming doom by my zeal for Jesus!
Cause me to be a mirror of your grace,
to show others the joy of being your servant,
May my lips be well-tuned instruments
sounding your praise,
Let a halo of heavenly-mindedness
sparkle around me
And a lamp of kindness be a sunbeam on my path.
Teach me the happy art of
attending to temporary things
with a mind intent on what is eternal.
Send me forth to have compassion
on the ignorant and miserable.
Help me to walk as Jesus walked,
my only Savior and perfect model,
his mind my inward guest
his meekness my clothing
Let my place of happiness be amongst the poor in spirit,
my delight the gentle ranks of the meek.
Let me always put others before myself,
and find in true humility
my inheritance of both earthly and heavenly worlds.
Source: The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions, Banner of Truth Trust, p. 248-249.