Here I Stand . . . I Can Do Nothing Else

We have been in the 11th chapter of Hebrews for the past seven weeks, looking at what faith is and what it looks like.  This prayer from The Valley of Vision, collection of Puritan prayers, is a good guide to how we need to be thinking about faith.

O LORD,

The world is artful to entrap,

approaches in fascinating guise, extends many a gilded bait,
presents many a charming face.

Let my faith scan every painted bauble,
and escape every bewitching snare
in a victory that overcomes all things.

In my duties give me firmness, energy, zeal,
devotion to Your cause,
courage in Your name,
love as a working grace,
and all commensurate with my trust.

Let faith stride forth in giant power,
and love respond with energy in every act.

I often mourn the absence of my beloved Lord
whose smile makes earth a paradise,
whose voice is sweetest music,
whose presence gives all graces strength.

But by unbelief I often keep Him outside my door.

Let faith give entrance that He may abide with me forever.

Your Word is full of promises,
flowers of sweet fragrance,
fruit of refreshing flavor when culled by faith.

May I be made rich in its riches,
be strong in its power,
be happy in its joy,
abide in its sweetness,
feast on its preciousness,
draw vigor from its manna.

Lord, increase my faith!

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