MAN IS NOTHING

O LORD,

I am a shell full of dust,

but animated with an invisible rational soul

and made anew by an unseen power of grace;

Yet I am no rare object of valuable price,

but one that has nothing and is nothing,

although chosen by You from eternity,

given to Christ, and born again;

I am deeply convinced

of the evil and misery of a sinful state,

of the vanity of creatures,

but also of the sufficiency of Christ.

When You would guide me I control myself,

When You would be sovereign I rule myself.

When You would take care of me I suffice myself.

When I should depend on Your providings I supply

myself,

When I should submit to Your providence I follow

my will,

When I should study, love, honor, trust You,

I serve myself;

I fault and correct Your laws to suit myself,

Instead of You I look to a man’s approbation,

and am by nature an idolater.

Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back

to You.

Convince me that I cannot be my own God,

or make myself happy,

nor my own Christ to restore my joy,

nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me.

Help me to see that grace does this by providential

affliction,

for when my credit is good You cast me

lower,

when riches are my idol You wing them

away,

when pleasure is my all You turn it into

bitterness.

Take away my roving eye, curious ear, greedy

appetite, lustful heart;

show me that none of these things

can heal a wounded conscience,

or support a tottering frame,

or uphold a departing spirit.

then take me to the cross

and leave me there.

In CHRIST JESUS I PRAY, AMEN

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

DISCLAIMER: This prayer is a re-adaptation of of a public domain prayer contained in The Valley of Vision, published by Banner of Truth. Full credit to its source is hereby cited with great thanksgiving in Christ Jesus, Amen.