Over the course of the last 30 days as we have followed this prayer guide we have asked God to work among the communities in which we live. And rightly so, for we know that the North Shore needs to wake up to the riches and wonder of Christ-for-us. And yet…church historians note that in times of spiritual awakening and renewal, the first people to “wake up” are often the church. The church experiences a fresh re-discovery of the holiness of God, depth of our sin, and love of God revealed in the Cross. In short we see God and ourselves more clearly. So to that end I’d love to commend the following prayer that we might re-discover the riches of the Gospel:
My Father,
Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips,
supply words that proclaim ‘Love Lustres at Calvary.’
Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
trodden down as an enemy
that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell’s worst
that I might attain heaven’s best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
bowed his head that I might uplift mine,
experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclothed brightness,
expired that I might forever live….
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me
the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save.
—”Love Lustres at Calvary” in The Valley of Vision
