New Year Resolution

New Year Resolution

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me

except the days are passed in thy precence,
in thy service, to thy glory.
Give me a grace the precedes, follows, guides,
sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
that I may not be one moment apart for 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 bark on the unknown waters of this year,
With thee, O Father, as my harbour,
thee, O Son, at my helm,
thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sail.
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 (A Collections of Puritan Prayers and Devotions)