May 7: The Prayers of the Saints

I want to share with you something which I've found to be of inestimable worth in my own walk with the Lord, a little book of prayers called "The Valley of Vision." It is a collection of prayers from different saints from that era, mostly pastors, and is divided up somewhat categorically. The richness of the prayers of these men is wonderfully encouraging and arresting when I think about my own devotional life and level of conviction about the same topics these believers discuss when they come before the throne. After your Bible reading this morning, read the prayer below. I hope you enjoy it as well.

"The Servant in Battle"

O Lord,

I bless thee that the issue of the battle

between thyself and Satan

has never been uncertain,

and will end in victory.

Calvary broke the dragon's head,

and I contend with a vanquished foe,

who with all his subtlety and strength

has already been overcome.

When I feel the serpent at my heel

may I remember him whose heel was bruised,

but who, when bruised, broke the devil's head.

My soul with inward joy extols

the mighty conqueror.

Heal me of any wounds received in the great conflict;

if I have gathered defilement,

if my faith has suffered damage,

if my hope is less than bright,

if my love is not fervent,

if some creature-comfort occupies my heart,

if my soul sinks under pressure of the fight.

O thou whose every promise is balm,

every touch life,

draw near to thy weary warrior,

refresh me, that I may rise again

to wage the strife,

and never tire until my enemy is trodden down.

Give me such fellowship with thee

that I may defy Satan,

unbelief, the flesh, the world,

with delight that comes not from a creature,

and which a creature cannot mar.

Give me a draught of the eternal foundtain that lieth in thy immutable, everlasting love and decree.

Then shall my hand never weaken,

my feet never stumble,

my sword never rest,

my shield never rust,

my helmet never shatter,

my breastplate never fall,

as my strength rests in the power of thy might.

Amen.