The Spirit As Teacher

 

O God the Holy Spirit, 

That which I know not, teach thou me, 
Keep me a humble disciple in the school of Christ, 
learning daily there what I am in myself, 
a fallen sinful creature, justly deserving everlasting destruction;
O let me never lose sight of my need of a Saviour,
or forget that apart from him I am nothing,
and can do nothing.

Open my understanding to know the Holy Scriptures;
Reveal to my soul the counsels and works of the blessed Trinity;
Instill into my dark mind the saving knowledge of Jesus;
Make me acquainted with his covenant undertakings
and his perfect fulfillment of them, 
that by resting on his finished work 
I may find the Father’s love in the Son, his Father, my Father,
and may be brought through thy influence
to have fellowship with the Three in One.

O lead me into all truth, thou Spirit of wisdom and revelation,
that I may know the things that belong unto my peace,
and through thee be made anew.

Make practical upon my heart the Father’s love
as thou hast revealed it in the Scriptures;
Apply to my soul the blood of Christ, effectually, continually,
and help me to believe, with conscience comforted,
that it cleanseth from all sin;
Lead me from faith to faith,
that I may at all times have freedom to come 
to a reconciled Father, and may be able 
to maintain peace with him against 
doubts, fears, corruptions, temptations.

Thy office is to teach me to draw near to Christ 
with a pure heart, steadfastly persuaded of his love,
in the full assurance of faith.

Let me never falter in this way.

From The Valley of Vision, Puritan Prayers and Devotions, p.58,59