( In my recent studies I found this prayer by Thomas Brooks in New City Catechism. The Lord used this to help me set the tone for my new year. I don't speak English like they did in the 1600's.I rephrased this prayer in 2000's American English so I could understand it better. It sounds kind of funny when I describe it like that. This is really for me but I’ll share it with you. Please forgive me, Thomas Brooks.)
Lord, here am I. Do with me as You please. Write on me what You please. I give up myself to be at Your disposal.
The ambitious woman gives herself up to her honors but I give up myself unto You. The worldly woman gives herself up to her pleasures but I give up myself to You. The selfish woman gives herself up to her idols but I give up myself to You.
Lord, lay what burden You will on me, only let Your everlasting arms be under me. I lay down my will to You. I have learned from my past to surrender everything to Your will for Your will is always for my good. You have a greater interest in me than I have in myself so I can surrender my all to You with this confidence.
I am ready to receive what impression You want to stamp on me.
Your mercy pardons me. Your salvation justifies me. Your righteousness clothes me. Your Spirit leads me.Your grace enriches me. Therefore, how can I not give myself totally to You?
Lord! here I am. Do with me what is good in Your own eyes.
I know the best way to live my life is to say, “ Amen,” to Your, “Amen.”
So Be it!
Amen!
(Thomas Brooks (1608—1680). An English Puritan preacher, who lived in London during the Great Plague. This was remade from a prayer in "The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod" in The Complete Works of Thomas Brooks, edited by Rev. Alexander Balloch Grosart, Volume 1 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1866), 305—306.)
Beatiful. Keep up the good work.
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