Prayers Ancient and Modern 06/11

“I think of the love of God as a great river, pouring through us even as the waters pour through our ravine at floodtime. Nothing can keep this love from pouring through us, except of course our own blocking of the river. Do you sometimes feel that you have got to the end of your love for someone who refuses and repulses you? Such a thought is folly, for one cannot come to the end of what one has not got. We have no store of love at all. We are not jugs, we are riverbeds.” – Amy Carmichael

Published June 11, 2016 |

I Bless Thee, my Father and my Friend, for all that Thou hast given me, and for all that Thou hast taken from me; for all my trials and sorrows, as well as for all my joys. Thou hast mercifully led me through this wilderness, and hast borne with my many shortcomings and evil-doings. Thou art indeed most gracious and glorious, a Father of mercies, and a God of love. Rouse this sluggish heart of mine, and fill it with gratitude. And be with me, Lord, for the time to come. I know not what is before me, but Thou knowest. Choose Thou my portion for me. Lead me by Thine own hand; and keep me close to Thee, day by day, and night by night. My Father, I wish to love and obey Thee. Take my heart, for I cannot give it to Thee; and put away everything that hinders me from being altogether Thine—Amen.

Bishop Ashton Oxenden (1808–1892).