Puritan Prayer

Years End
(a puritan prayer)

O Love beyond compare,

Thou art good when thou givest

When thou takest away,

When the sun shines upon me,

When night gathers over me.

Thou hast loved me before the foundations of the world,

And in love didst redeem my soul;

Thou didst love me still,

In spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.

Thy goodness has been with me during another year,

Leading me through a twisting wilderness,

In retreat helping me to advance,

When beaten back making sure headway.

Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead

I hoist sail and draw up anchor

With thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past...

Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial.

As a chosen vessel meet always for thy use.