Valley of Vision

Banner of Truth Trust has produced a new edition of the book The Valley of Vision, edited by Arthur Bennett. First published in 1975, it is a collection of prayers and devotions written by various Puritan writers. It Includes the prayers of Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, Charles Spurgeon, and others,  It is a helpful book to stimulate your own prayers and meditations upon the Lord. Meditations are 2 pages long and are collected into 10 major themes or chapters. Someone recently gave me a gift copy of this book, and I would like to share with you a sample prayer, to whet your appetite.

The Convicting Spirit

Thou blessed Spirit, author of all grace and comfort,

Come, work repentance in my soul;

Represent sin to me in its odious colours that I may hate it;

Melt my heart by the majesty and mercy of God;

Show me my ruined self and the help there is in him;

Teach me to behold my Creator,

    his ability to save,

    his arms outstretched,

    his heart big for me.

May I confide in his power and love,

    commit my soul to him without reserve,

    bear his image, observe his laws,

    pursue his service,

    and be through time and eternity

    a monument to the efficacy of his grace,

    a trophy of his victory.

Make me willing to be saved in his way,

    perceiving nothing in myself, but all in Jesus:

Help me not only to receive him but

    to walk in him,

    depend upon him,

    commune with him,

    be comforted to him,

    follow him,

    imperfect, but still pressing forward,

    not complaining of labour, but valuing rest,

    not murmuring under trials, but thankful for my state.

Give me that faith which is the means of salvation,

    and the principle and medium of all godliness;

May I be saved by grace through faith,

    live by faith,

    feel the joy of faith,
do the work of faith

Perceiving nothing in myself, may I find in Christ

    wisdom, righteousness, sanctification,

    redemption.