A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Jesus and His Children
Oh Lord, as I come before you, clamouring up into your arms. As my soul comes before you uncluttered with defences; I am convicted in my heart of disrespect and dishonour. Father in heaven, you are so gracious towards all your creation and children – I ask, by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son, please forgive me. When I sin against one of yours, I sin against you, and I am sorry on both accounts. Forgive my iniquity oh Lord. Grant to me instead, oh God, of the bitterness and anger – a holy love, filled with the grace and truth of your love. I thank you for your mercy and grace Most Holy God.
Oh God, waken in my heart – the reality of you, so I may know your true being, your character, integrity – your attributes; the very you of you. Not just the external facts of you – but your heart – your being – I ask, oh Lord – with trembling – but so much desire, to let me know you! Not just “about” you – but you.
Even as I ask, I fear your pure holiness, and your immensity; but oh how I desire your true heart. Hold me tight in your love and mercy. That when you come close Lord I may not flee; that as my dark soul trembles in the light of your purity, Oh God, that it would instead be my darkness that crumbles and flees. And I would forever be changed by the beauty of your heart. I trust You Oh God. I trust myself to you; to your infinite mercy and unfathomable grace; to your unending love for those who reach out to you; who seek your face; who turn to you; abandoning all other gods – as they are false and untrue.
Oh God of all creation, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God of Jesus Christ of Nazareth – I seek you – your face – your being. Draw me indeed close to you Lord – hold me close to your heart – cleanse me of all unrighteousness – by the very fire of your purity.
Oh God, you would not turn away those who genuinely seek you, your love, your presence, your companionship, fellowship. I risk the sin of impropriety – I hold out my hand to you – I hold out my being – Lord, please receive it, and accept it. Although a humble and lowly gift – I ask please receive me into your bosom, your heart. The true gift would be your receiving, your acceptance. You even provided the way that I may even dare to come close and ask such a thing – the atoning blood of Jesus. Not on my merits or pureness, as I have none to offer – but on Jesus – I ask draw me close – receive me as a gift from Jesus – make me I ask one of your own and let me “know” you.
The Shorter Catechism
“The supreme end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
