Receive Our Searching Words
Asks God to receive imperfect prayers with a parent’s tenderness, and to give comfort, trust, and inward readiness through doubt and sorrow.
Historical edition. Historical claims and instructions are preserved as historical context.
WE beseech Thee of Thy great mercy, God All-wise! All-merciful! to let the words of our mouths be found acceptable in Thy sight. Not that they are words of wisdom, or the meditation of true knowledge, but that they come from the need of hearts searching for true knowledge. The heart of the loving earthly father is gladdened when the voice of the child breaks into stammering words; Lord, deep is man’s love, but what are Thy depths! Listen, then, to our cries—cries not yet articulate, cries of childhood, weakness, want; hear them in the plenitude of Thy lovingkindness.
We say that Thou art Almighty, let us therefore feel comforted. When things of sadness and horror happen to us, and we wonder that Thou canst let these things be, let us remember that Thou art Almighty; let us trust Thee, and remember Thy goodness is over all. Our poor vision is short and limited, so, Lord, we rest in perfect quietness; what Thou doest is always best. Let Thy pity and tenderness sink deep into our hearts, that we may be upheld. In time of doubt and failing strength, and failing flesh, and failing spirits, let Thy lovingkindness comfort us. Make us watchful as those should be, who must give an account of deeds done in the flesh. Help us to prepare for Thee, not by vain preparation of outward life, but by inward readiness.
Bring us all at last by Thy good guidance into Thy fold, so that whatever betide us in this life, we may have abundant entrance into the Life Eternal.—AMEN.