The Valley of Vision

One of my favorite book discoveries over the past year has been "The Valley of Vision," a collection of puritan prayers and devotions edited by Arthur Bennett. It is a rich source of spiritual thought with depth not often seen today. The prayers and devotions are divided under sections such as, redemption & reconciliation, penitence, needs & devotions, gifts of grace, and service & ministry. The language is not "updated," but retains the original, more formal style in which the prayers were written. I really enjoyed and appreciated the beauty of their expression. This is a great book to add to your library or to give as a gift. I refer to this book often and always challenged to go deeper.

Following is the opening prayer and one of my favorites.

The Valley of Vision

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 light in my darkness, thy life in my death, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy ruches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley.