"The Spirit of Jesus"- What I need this Monday
It’s a typical Monday and chaos here at the Brown family home. There are yesterday’s dishes in the sink, screaming toddlers, and laundry monsters. I have barely had my first cup of coffee as I look around at my beautiful mess. I’m typing this morning’s post in my house coat with children running in circles around my desk.
It is in moments like this that I crave God and His Word. I need to start my day in praise and worship or the overall condition of my house and mind will consume me! In this season of sleep deprivation, clutter, and tiny feet racing up and down the stairs (it sounds like a herd of buffalo), I need prayer and worship so badly!
What do you do when you want to pray, but the lack of sleep makes it difficult to form a coherent thought? What does worship look like among the sounds of jumping, screaming, and bickering over the “pink bowl?”
I have a book that I have come to love and cherish. “The Valley of Vision” is a collection of puritan prayers and devotions. When I don’t have the words, I read aloud a prayer. Here is today’s prayer called “The Spirit of Jesus.” I’ve turned on “Unstoppable God” and I know that I can find solace with my Savior amidst the tasks and trials of today.
"Lord Jesus Christ,
Fill me with thy Spirit
that I may be occupied with his presence.
I am blind- send him to make me see;
dark- let him say let there be light’!
May he give me faith to behold
my name engraven in thy hand,
my soul and body redeemed by thy blood,
my sinfulness covered by the life of pure obedience.
Replenish me by his revealing grace,
that I may realize my indissoluble union with thee;
that I may know thou hast espoused me to thyself forever,
in righteousness, love, mercy, faithfulness;
that I am one with thee,
as a branch with its stock,
a building with its foundation.
May his comforts cheer me in my sorrows,
his strength sustain me in my trials,
his blessings revive me in my weariness,
his presence render me a fruitful tree of holiness,
his might establish me in peace and joy,
his incitements make me ceaseless in prayer,
his animation kindle in me undying devotion.
Send him as the searcher of my heart,
to show me more of my corruptions and helplessness
that I may flee to thee,
cling to thee,
rest on thee,
as the beginning and end of my salvation.
May I never vex him by my indifference and waywardness,
grieve him by my cold welcome,
resist him by my hard rebellion.
Answer my prayers, O Lord, for thy great name’s sake."
Amen and Amen!