05/07/2022
Pray this prayer before you sleep
Jesus Christ, strong Son of God, bless us tonight. Forgive us our sins. We love You — You know that we love You — but our lives are not worthy expressions of our love. We confess that we seem not to love You at all, we are so unfaithful. We thank You that Your love is not dependent upon ours. You love us in spite of all our sins and all our failures. Your love is like the waters of the sea, which fill all the depths and flow in immeasurable floods from shore to shore. Your love covers all our sins, and fills and overflows all the depths of our evil nature. You love Your redeemed people unto the end, unto the uttermost. You love us with an everlasting love. You loved us so much that You gave Yourself for us, to redeem us and to purify and to save us.
This evening we would hide away in Your love. It is a better place to hide, than even the shelter of a mother's love. We are weary — and we find rest in You. We are weak — and being close to You makes us stronger, for strength passes from You to us. We are unholy — and Your pure love cleanses and purifies us. We are harsh and ungentle — and Your love . . .
warms our hearts into gentleness,
softens our harshness, and
blesses us with a spirit of tenderness.
Draw us near Yourself precious Savior — near Your own heart. It was there that John learned his lesson in loving which made him such a beautiful disciple — and we would nestle in the same transforming bosom, that we, too, may learn the same lesson of love. May we become transfigured, by being with You.
Now, blessed Jesus, we are going to our rest for the night. We shall not be afraid, for You will keep us. Let no evil come to us. Give us refreshing sleep. All we ask is in Your name, O Lamb of God. Amen.
