Pray. And at times, with crutches.
This prayer from The Valley of Vision is a masterclass in Trinitarian devotion that instructs us not only in right theology but in the very practice of prayer itself. It teaches us to adore God as He truly is, one essence in three Persons, and by naming and thanking the Father, Son, and Spirit for their distinct yet unified works in redemption. The Father’s electing love, the Son’s redeeming sacrifice, and the Spirit’s indwelling presence are all confessed with gratitude and remind us that our salvation is wholly God’s gracious initiative. The prayer also draws us into the means of grace by showing that prayer itself is God-centered: the Father hears, the Son intercedes, and the Spirit helps our weakness and supplies words. Far from being a self-focused exercise, prayer is revealed as a participation in God’s covenantal love and a submission to His kingdom purposes. Thus, the prayer both grounds us in sound Trinitarian theology and gently leads us to practice God-centered prayer that glorifies Him and nourishes our souls.
Heavenly Father, blessed Son, eternal Spirit,
I adore thee as one Being, one Essence,
one God in three distinct Persons,
for bringing sinners to thy knowledge and to
thy kingdom.
O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to
redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my
nature,
shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
wrought righteousness to cover my
unworthiness;
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me and entered
my heart, implanted there eternal life,
revealed to me the glories of Jesus.
Three Persons and one God, I bless and praise thee,
for love so unmerited, so unspeakable,
so wondrous, so mighty to save the lost
and raise them to glory.
O Father, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast given me to Jesus, to be his sheep,
jewel, portion;
O Jesus, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast accepted, espoused, bound me;
O Holy Spirit, I thank thee that in fullness of
grace thou hast
exhibited Jesus as my salvation,
implanted faith within me,
subdued my stubborn heart,
made me one with him for ever.
O Father, thou art enthroned to hear my prayers,
O Jesus, thy hand is outstretched to take my
petitions,
O Holy Spirit, thou art willing to help my
infirmities, to show me my need,
to supply words, to pray within me,
to strengthen me that I faint not in
supplication.
O Triune God, who commandeth the universe,
thou hast commanded me to ask for those
things that concern thy kingdom and my soul.
Let me live and pray as one baptized into the
threefold Name.
