My Last and Only End!

God of my end, it is my greatest, noblest pleasure to be acquainted with Thee and with my rational, immortal soul; it is sweet and entertaining to look into my being when all my powers and passions are united and engaged in pursuit of Thee, when my soul longs and passionately breathes after conformity to Thee and the full enjoyment of Thee; no hours pass away with so much pleasure as those spent in communion with Thee and with my heart.

O how desirable, how profitable to the Christian life is a spirit of holy watchfulness and godly jealousy over myself when my soul is afraid of nothing except grieving and offending Thee, the blessed God, my Father and friend, whom I then love and long to please, rather than be happy in myself! Knowing, as I do, that this is the pious temper, worthy of the highest ambition, and closest pursuit of intelligent creatures and holy Christians, may my joy derive from glorifying and delighting Thee. I long to fill all my time for Thee, whether at home or in the way; to place all my concerns in Thy hands; to be entirely at Thy disposal, having no will or interest of my own. Help me to live to Thee forever, to make Thee my last and only end, so that I may never more in one instance love my sinful self.

(A Puritan Prayer)

A Prayer for the New Year

Oh LORD,

A long life does not profit me except the days are spent

     In Your presence,

     In Your service,

     For Your glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains, sanctifies, and aids every hour, that I may not be one moment apart from You.

May I rely on Your Spirit to

     Supply every thought,

     Speak every word,

     Direct every step,

     Prosper every work,

     Build up every ounce of faith.

Give me a desire to

     Show forth Your praise,

     Testify of Your love and

     Advance Your kingdom.

I launch my ship on the unknown waters of this year, with

     You, O Father, as my harbor,

     You, O Son, at my helm,

     You, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with

     My lamp burning,

     My ear open to Your calls,

     My heart full of love,

     My soul free.

Give me

     Your grace to sanctify me,

     Your comforts to cheer,

     Your wisdom to teach,

     Your right hand to guide,

     Your counsel to instruct,

     Your law to judge,

     Your presence to stabilize.

May Your fear be my awe,

Your triumphs my joy.

The original version of this prayer, along with many others, can be found in The Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennet.