Encouragement to pray.-Isa. xlv. 19–25.
My soul, take courage from the Lord;
Believe and plead his holy word:
To him, alone, do thou complain,
Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain.
2 Upon him call in humble prayer,
Thou still art his peculiar care:
He'll surely turn and smile again,
Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain.
3 However sinful, weak, and poor,
Still wait and pray at mercy's door;
Faithful Jehovah must remain,
Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain. 4 [Though the vile tempter's hellish rage Will, with his darts, thy soul engage, God through the fight shall thee sustain, Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain.] 5 [Though the corruptions of thy heart Daily new cause of grief impart,
Pray that thy lusts may all be slain,
Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain.]
6 [Though sharp afflictions still abound,
And clouds and darkness thee surround,
Still pray, for God will all explain,
Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain.]
7 In him, and him alone, confide;
Still at the throne of grace abide;
Eternal victory thou shalt gain,
Nor shalt thou seek his face in vain.
The Beggar's Prayer.-Matt. viii. 2.
A BEGGAR poor, at mercy's door,
Lies such a wretch as I:
Thou know'st my need is great indeed;
Lord, hear me when I cry.
2 With guilt beset, and deep in debt,
For pardon, Lord, I pray;
O, let thy love sufficient prove,
To take my sins away.
3 A wicked heart is no small part
Of my distress and shame;
Let sovereign grace its crimes efface,
Through Jesus' blessed name.
4 [My dark'ned mind, I daily find,
Is prone to go astray;
Lord, on it shine, with light divine,
And guide it in thy way.]
5 [My stubborn will opposes still
Thy wise and holy hand;
Thy Spirit send to make it bend
To thy supreme command.]
6 Affections wild, by sin defiled,
Oft hurry me away;
Lord, bring them home, nor let them roam From Christ, the living way.
7 [A conscience hard does oft retard
My walk in holy peace;
Let it by thee made tender be,
And all its hardness cease.]
8 [My memory bad, but, what is sad,
Can folly still retain;
O fill it, Lord, with thy sweet word,
And let it there remain.]
9 Before thy face I've told my case:
Lord, help, and mercy send;
Pity my soul, and make me whole,
And love me to the end.
"Ask what I shall give thee."-1 Kings iii. 5.
COME, my soul, thy suit prepare,
Jesus loves to answer prayer:
He himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee, Nay.
2 [Thou art coming to a King;
Large petitions with thee bring;
For his grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.
3 With my burden I begin;
Lord, remove this load of sin;
Let thy blood, for sinners spilt,
Set my conscience free from guilt.]
4 Lord, I come to thee for rest;
Take possession of my breast;
There thy blood-bought right maintain,
And without a rival reign.
5 As the image in the glass
Answers the beholder's face,
Thus unto my heart appear;
Print thy own resemblance there.
While I am a pilgrim here,
Let thy love my spirit cheer;
As my guide, my Guard, my Friend,
Lead me to my journey's end.
7 Show me what I have to do;
Every hour my strength renew;
Let me live a life of faith;
Let me die thy people's death.
Praying for Confidence.-Mark ix. 23, 24.
O JESUS, thou Fountain of grace,
Enlighten, enliven my heart,
And show the sweet smiles of thy face,
And from me bid evil depart:
Pronounce, O pronounce I am thine;
A sinner once purchased by blood;
And may I for ever recline
On the bosom of Jesus, my Lord.
2 Thou great and compassionate King,
Drive all my sad doubtings away;
And let me with confidence sing,
"The Saviour expired for me.'
The witness, that I am thy child,
O Jesus, to me now impart;
The pleasing sensation will yield
Unspeakable joy to my heart.
3 Bestow this rich blessing on me,
And heaven below I shall prove;
I'll then go exulting in thee,
And tell of thy wonderful love.
Lord, teach me thy cause to maintain; For constant support to thee fly; And fight till the conquest I gain, Resolved for thy glory to die.
The House of Prayer.-Mark xi. 17.
THY mansion is the Christian's heart,
O Lord, thy dwelling-place secure!
Bid the unruly throng depart,
And leave the consecrated door.
2 Devoted as it is to thee,
A thievish swarm frequents the place;
They steal away my joys from me,
And rob my Saviour of his praise.
3 There, too, a sharp designing trade,
Sin, Satan, and the world maintain;
Nor cease to press me, and
persuane
To part with ease and purchase pain.
4 I know them, and I hate their din;
Am weary of the bustling crowd;
But while their voice is heard within,
I cannot serve thee as I would.
5 O for the joy thy presence gives!
What peace shall reign when thou art here!
Thy presence makes this den of thieves
A calm, delightful house of prayer.
6 And if thou make thy temple shine,
Yet, self-abased, will I adore:
The gold and silver are not mine;
I give thee what was thine before.
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