Dead all at once, and slowly dying —
Life in Christ means distancing
ourselves from worldly pursuits.
O eternal God in Heaven!
What affliction we feel, like Lot,
to see in our own divided hearts
the wicked ways of man.
Purify us for your presence!
Refining
Proverbs 17.3
Dear God, a man may refine metal to remove its impurities and get the best use from it, but only you can prove the heart and purify a man for your divine purpose.
I want to be that man. Into your hands I deliver my soul. Purify me that I might be useful to the Kingdom. The pain is not pleasant, O Father; I shrink from suffering, but like my Lord Jesus, I desire your will to be done in my life.
Thank you for your benevolent purpose to produce good in me and through me. May many praise you. I glorify your name. I pray as a follower of Jesus Christ. Amen.
I’d Be a Tree
God of all good, definer of good, the One
Alone who can be called good — for none
There is of man who only good has done:
In my humble life, I’d be a tree
Producing good fruits, all of them free
From rot and canker, good to the highest degree.
This fruit must come from you, the only source —
The purifier of unsound souls and hearts,
Creator anew, remover of Adam’s curse!
In me, O God — purge all deathly dross.
Carry me to the end — without loss —
Make me that tree by the blood of Jesus’ Cross.
Follow the prayer author on his personal site.
What Distance Gapes
Before your glory, O God, we see our sin —
Hideous, horrible, ripping you from our souls —
What distance gapes between your holiness
And our uncleanness! Woe is me! — Woe!
The hand must cover the mouth: “Impure! Impure!”
To wash our hearts, to whom, to whom must we go?
Look into my heart
Father, look into my heart. You know what’s there.
You know the corners that still hide the darkness.
Sweep in with your light to cleanse and purify.
Make me pure for full possession by your Spirit.
Take full control of my being, words, and actions.
Let Jesus lead in every step along the way.
May he grow before my eyes and in the world’s sight.
Enlarge the only true hope of eternal life.
Build up our holy faith as your chosen ones.
Strengthen our hands for faithful life and service.
Obedience in 1 Peter 1
Obedience is mentioned three times in 1 Peter 1, each time revealing precious information about its meaning and importance in God’s plan.
- The purpose of obedience: cleansing by the blood of Jesus Christ, v. 2.
- The relationship of obedience: as obedient children, v. 14.
- The focus of obedience: truth, v. 22.