A puritan prayer for the new year

Our friends Christy & Giulian recently sent us a gift in the mail. It was such a blessing, because just the other day I tried to buy it and it didn't work out. What is it you may ask? :) It's a book called "The Valley of Vision"-a book of puritan prayers. As I've been going through the book I came across a beautiful one that is perfect for this new year. May it be the cry of your heart as it was for the puritan:

O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me

except the days are passed in thy presence,

in thy service, to thy glory.

Give me a grace that preceeds, follows, guides,

sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,

   that I may not  be one moment apart from thee,

   but may rely on thy Spirit

       to supply every thought,

       speak in every word,

       direct every step,

       prosper every work,

       build up every mote of faith,

       and give me a desire

           to show forth thy praise;

           testify thy love,

           advance thy kingdom.

I launch my bark on the unknown waters

      of this year,

    with thee, O Father, as my harbour,

              thee, O Son, as my helm,

              thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,

          my lamp burning,

          my ear open to thy calls,

          my heart full of love,

          my soul free.

Give me thy grace to sanctify me,

           thy comforts to cheer,

           thy wisdom to teach,

           thy right hand to guide,

           thy counsel to instruct,

           thy law to judge,

           thy presence to stabilize.

May thy fear be my awe,

           thy triumphs my joy.