Livin' on a Prayer

Dear, dear friends,

It has been quite some time since I have written a blog. I've missed it. Honestly, it's therapeutic. It helps me process and organize my thoughts. Plus, I know that many of you take the time to read what I write; I love the support.

As I was musing over what to call my new blog (because, of course, one needs a new blog to go with a new life in a new place with a new husband), I decided that "Livin' on a Prayer" would be appropriate. My whole life, I will be living on a prayer. I need the companionship of God my Father through prayer. I need the support of the Spirit, my Guide and Comforter, through prayer. I crave the encouragement of Jesus, my High Priest who knows my weakness, in prayer.

A few years ago, or maybe only one year ago, a friend of mind wrote me a thoughtful note during a hard time. The main part of the note was a prayer from Valley of Vision that has deeply captured my heart's cry to the Lord on many occasions. I'd like to share it. It is called "Resting on God."


O GOD MOST HIGH, MOST GLORIOUS,, 
The thought of thine infinite serenity cheers me, 
For I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, 
 but thou art for ever at perfect peace. 
Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of unfulfilment, 
 they stand fast as the eternal hills. 
Thy power knows no bond, 
 thy goodness no stint. 
Thou bringest order out of confusion, 
 and my defeats are thy victories: 
The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 
I come to thee as a sinner with cares and sorrows, 
 to leave every concern entirely to thee, 
  every sin calling for Christ’s precious blood; 
Revive deep spirituality in my heart; 
Let me live near to the great shepherd, 
 hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls. 
Keep me from deception by causing me to abide in the truth, 
 from harm by helping me to walk in the power of the Spirit. 
Give me intenser faith in the eternal verities, 
 burning into me by experience the things I know; 
Let me never be ashamed of the truth of the gospel,
 that I may bear its reproach, 
  vindicate it, 
  see Jesus as its essence, 
  know in it the power of the Spirit. 
Lord, help me, for I am often lukewarm and chill; 
 unbelief mars my confidence, 
 sin makes me forget thee. 
Let the weeds that grow in my soul be cut at their roots; 
Grant me to know that I truly live only when I live to thee, 
 that all else is trifling. 
Thy presence alone can make me holy, devout, strong and happy. 
Abide in me, gracious God.


Amen. And so ends my first post.