Calling

Heavenly Father,

You have placed me in the church
   which your Son purchased by his own blood.
Please give me even more grace so that I may live worthy of my calling.

I am a voyager across life's ocean;
Safe in heaven's ark, may I pass through a troubled world
   into the harbor of eternal rest.

I am a tree of the vineyard you have planted.
Grant me not to be barren, with worthless leaves and wild grapes;
Prune me of useless branches;
Water me with dews of blessing.
I am part of the Lamb's bride, the church.
Help me to be true, faithful, chaste, loving, pure, devoted;
Let no strong desire of mine play the whore with the world.
May I live high above a love of temporary things;
   being sanctified, cleansed, unblemished, hallowed by grace;
   your love my fullness,
   your glory my joy,
   your precepts my pathway,
   your cross my resting place.
My heart is not always a flame of adoring love,
But, resting in your Son's redemption,
I look forward to the days of heaven,
   where no weariness shall oppress,
   no iniquities chill,
   no mists of unbelief dim the eye,
   no zeal ever tires.
Father, these thoughts are the strength, support, and comfort of my soul.