Over 25 years ago a pastor friend of mine introduced me to a book called “The Valley of Vision”. It is a collection of prayers by Puritans from 300-400 years ago. What beautiful expressions of faith to God! The Puritans, in my opinion, seemed to really have a clear view of the majesty of God, our struggles here on earth, and God’s sovereign control of the universe.
Well the other day I was in a worship conference and there was the book! I finally bought. The very first prayer in the book just speaks volumes. Read this and enjoy the godly wisdom of this anonymous Puritan from hundreds of years ago:.
Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,
Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.
Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision.
Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;
Let me find Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, They riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley. Amen.