The Minister Before Sacrament

LORD,

Teach me the nature of a sacrament as a seal and pledge of love,

that Christ is faithful to make himself a present reality to his own

who are guests at his table.

Assure me by it

that his Word is made good to my faith,

that he by sacramental union is given to me,

that I shall have strength not to fall into sin,

that his life begun in me will be perfected hereafter,

that my covenant with him is confirmed,

that he gives himself to all who take him thankfully.

As I come to the feast, help me to recall my neglect of duties

towards myself, my family, church, friends,

by not instructing, exhorting, being an example.

Grant me to see my ignorance, not knowing how or what to pray,

my unsavouriness, not delighting in,

but loathing to speak for thee,

my pride, because I would not speak what I could

from fear of not doing it well,

my lukewarmness, in not reaching for thy glory,

my idleness and sloth,

my want of tender love,

my apprehension of unfruitfulness

in case I should attempt and do no good,

and hence sow seed upon rocks.

Let me know that even if I have done right,

yet I must lament the principles that caused my neglect,

that good duties might be done or omitted

out of ill principles or motives,

and only when these are dealt with shall I know

what is my duty and its extent.

Heal me now, as I approach thy table,

and fill me with all grace,

with thyself.

This week’s devotionals are from The Valley of Vision

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