Wholeness in God's Presence

O INFINITE Source of life and health and joy! the very thought of Thee is so wonderful that in this thought we would rest and be still. Thou art Beauty and Grace and Truth and Power. Thou art the light of every heart that sees Thee, the life of every soul that loves Thee, the strength of every mind that seeks Thee. From our narrow and bounded world we would pass into Thy greater world. From our petty and miserable selves we would escape to Thee, to find in Thee the power and the freedom of a larger life. It is our joy that we can never go beyond Thy reach; that even were we to take the wings of the morning, and fly unto the uttermost parts of the earth, or were we to make our bed in hell, there should we find signs of Thy presence and Thy power. Wherever we may go Thou art with us, for Thou art in us as well as without us. We recognise Thee in all the deeper experiences of the soul. When the conscience utters its warning voice, when the heart is tender and we forgive those who have wronged us in word or deed, when we feel ourselves upborne above time and place, and know ourselves citizens of Thy everlasting Kingdom, we realise, O Lord, that these things, while they are in us, are not of us. They are Thine, the work of Thy Spirit brooding upon our souls.

Spirit of Holiness and Peace! Search all our motives; try the secret places of our souls; set in the light any evil that may lurk within, and lead us in the way everlasting. Take possession of our bodies. Purge them from feebleness and sloth, from all unworthy self-indulgence, that they may not hinder, but help the perfection of our spirits. Take possession of our wills that they may be one with Thine, that soul and body may no longer war against each other, but live in perfect harmony, in holiness and health. May we be willing to cut off the right hand, or pluck out the right eye, if only we may feel Thy life pulsing within us, and share the blessedness of all good and pious men. Wake us as from the sleep of death, and inspire us with new resolves, and keep us blameless in body, soul and spirit, now and ever. Let Thy light fill our hearts more and more, until we shall become in truth the children of light, and perfectly at one with Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.