O Lord,
Help me never to expect any true happiness from the world, but only in you.
Let me not think that I will be more happy by living to myself,
for I can only be happy if I'm working for you,
and if I desire to live in this world
only to do and suffer what you give to me.
Teach me
that if I do not live a life that satisfies you,
I will not live a life that will satisfy me.
Help me to desire the spirit and attitude of angels
who willingly come down to this lower world
to perform your will,
though their desires are heavenly,
and not at all set upon earthly things;
then I will have the attitude I ought to have.
Help me not even to think of living to you in my own strength
but always to look to and rely upon you for assistance.
Teach me that there is no greater truth than this:
that I can do nothing by myself.
Lord, this is the life that no unconverted person can live,
yet it is an goal that every godly soul presses after;
So let it be my concern to devote myself and all to you.
Make me more fruitful and more spiritual,
for barrenness is my daily affliction and load.
How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly
with little done to good purpose!
I need your help:
O may sensibly depend upon you for all sanctification,
and every accomplishment of your purposes
for me, for the world,
and for your kingdom.
