Love Lustres at Calvary

The last several days, Father, have been very full and the nights have been short. I’m a little later in coming to sit with You this morning but I am grateful that You are with me always. May I hear what you have to say to me today. I am compelled this morning to just read through today’s Puritan Prayer. It is so full. I must read it over and over, allowing it to speak to me – pausing, pondering, processing – reading it repeatedly, reflectively. Thank You, Lord, for all You have done and continue to do. I owe all I am and ever will be to You.

LOVE LUSTRES AT CALVARY

My Father,
Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips,
     supply words that proclaim ‘Love lustres at Calvary.’
There grace removes my burdens and heaps them on thy Son,
     made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me;
There the sword of thy justice smote the man, thy fellow;
There thy infinite attributes were magnified,
     and infinite atonement was made;
There infinite punishment was due,
     and infinite punishment was endured.
Christ was all anguish that I might be all joy,
                       cast off that I might be brought in,
                       trodden down as an enemy
                            that I might be welcomed as a friend,
                       surrendered to hell’s worst
                            that I might attain heaven’s best,
                        stripped that I might be clothed,
                        wounded that I might be healed,
                        athirst that I might drink,
                        tormented that I might be comforted,
                        made a shame that I might inherit glory,
                        entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
                         groaned that I might have endless song,
                         endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
                         bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
                         bowed his head that I might uplift mine,
                         experienced reproach that I might receive welcome,
                         closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded
                              brightness,
                         expired that I might for ever live.

O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore thee by lips and life.

– The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
Compiled by Arthur Bennett
© The Banner of Truth Trust, 1975

Sept 14^th, Wed, 9;14 am