Privileges

O Lord God,

Teach me to know that grace precedes,

         accompanies, and follows my salvation,

   that it sustains the redeemed soul,

   that not one link of its chain can ever break.

From Calvary’s cross wave upon wave of grace

   reaches me,

   deals with my sin,

   washes me clean,

   renews my heart,

   strengthens my will,

   draws out my affection,

   kindles a flame in my soul,

   rules throughout my inner man,

   consecrates my every thought, word, work,

   teaches me thy immeasurable love.

How great are my privileges in Christ Jesus!

Without him I stand far off, a stranger, an outcast;

   in him I draw near and touch his kingly sceptre.

Without him I dare not lift up my guilty eyes;

   in him I gaze upon my Father-God and Friend.

Without him I hide my lips in trembling shame;

   in him I open my mouth in petition and praise.

Without him all is wrath and consuming fire;

   in him is all love, and the repose of my soul.

Without him is gaping hell below me, and eternal

     anguish;

   in him its gates are barred to me by his precious

     blood.

Without him darkness spreads its horrors in front;

   in him an eternity of glory is my boundless

     horizon.

Without him all within me is terror and dismay,

   in him every accusation is charmed into joy and

     peace.

Without him all things external call for my

     condemnation;

   in him they minister to my comfort,

   and are to be enjoyed with thanksgiving.

Praise be to thee for grace,

   and for the unspeakable gift of Jesus.

from The Valley of Vision - A Collection of Puritan Prayers Page 158

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Soli Deo Gloria
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