Confronted with the Cross

I am deeply convinced of the evil and misery of a sinful state, of the vanity of creatures, but also of the sufficiency of Christ.

When Thou wouldst guide me, I control myself,
When Thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself,
When Thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself.
When I should depend on Thy providings I supply myself,
When I should submit to Thy providence I follow myself…

I fault and correct Thy laws to suit myself… and am by nature an idolater.

Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to Thee.

Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy, nor my own Christ to restore my joy, nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, rule me.

Take away my roving eye, curious ear, greedy appetite, lustful heart;

Show me that none of these things can heal a wounded conscience,
or support a tottering frame, or uphold a departing spirit.

Then take me to the Cross and leave me there.

Valley of Vision: A collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett, page 91