The Valley of Vision is a collection of old prayers that exemplify intentionality, passion, and a Bible-focus in prayer. The language can seem foreign to modern readers since it resembles a loftier tongue of days gone by. And yet, the content of these prayers is of such high quality that modern Christians will no doubt benefit from such examples.
Here is how I prayed, in my own words, the prayer entitled “The ‘Nevers’ of the Gospel.”
O Lord, May I never fail to come to the knowledge of the truth.
May I never rest in a system of doctrine, even if I believe it is biblical and right, that does not bring me salvation, or extend my trust in You, or teach me to deny sin and worldly lusts, or help me to live a self-controlled life of goodness and godliness.
May I never rely on my own convictions and resolutions, but make me confident in You and in Your might.
May I never cease to find Your grace sufficient for me in all my trials, conflicts, and obligations.
May I never forget to correct my foolish thinking about You when spiritual distresses and outward troubles would try to change my proper perspective.
May I never fail to seek refuge in Christ, who is full of grace and truth, the friend who loves at all times, the God-man who knows what my mortal infirmities feel like, and the Savior who can do exceedingly more for me than I may think or know.
May I never confine my Christianity to only those extraordinary occasions, but make me to acknowledge You in all my ways – especially in the ordinary times of life.
May I never limit my devotion to You by only trusting and obeying when times are good, but make me to value and revere you all of my days.
May I never be godly only on Sundays or only in a church building, but make me a godly disciple on every day, at my job and in my home.
May I never make godliness only an outward facade or merely a habit, but make me to love righteousness and to pursue You as a way of life.
Oh Lord, please do good to me as I seek to know and love You through reading Your Word, communing with You in prayer, and singing Your praises.
Finally, my Redeemer and King, let me at last enter into that city You have prepared for all those who love and trust You – that heavenly home where Your glory is supreme and the Lamb reigns forevermore.
Holding the Line 