For Singleness of Eye
“This one tMng I do.” — Phii.. iii. 13.
My Father who art in heaven, teach me, in childlike faith and confidence, to draw near this morning to Thy throne of grace. Vouchsafe me the blessed influences of Thy Holy Spirit, that I may wait on Thee undisturbed by worldly distractions, and enter on the duties of another day with my mind “stayed on God.”
Blessed Jesus! — Thou who didst so freely give Thyself a ransom for many — save me, else I perish! I have no peace but in Thy pardoning, reconciling love. May Thy blood and righteousness be to me “a glorious dress,” arrayed in which I may now and ever stand fearless and undismayed. I bless Thee, O God, if I have in any degree felt the preciousness of the Saviour, and His adaptation to all the wants and weaknesses of my sinful, and sorrowful, and tempted nature. 1 thank Thee if Thou hast already hidden me in the clefts of the smitten Rock. M.y prayer is, that Thou mayest keep me there — that I may lean upon Jesus more than ever, and seek my happiness more exclusively in His service. May I every morning be drawn more closely by the cords of His love, and be led to fight more faithfully under His banner.
O for greater singleness of aim! — more self-emptying and self-abasing — that He may be all in all! Lord, I am conscious often of mingled motives, that would not stand the test of Thy pure eye and Thy holy Word. How often do I forfeit the joys of assurance by admitting rival claimants to the throne of my afi’ections. How often are the surpassing interests and glories of eternity dimmed and obscured by the engrossing things of time and of sense! How mixed with imperfection, and earthliness, and self-seeking are my best attempts to serve Thee! If weighed in the balance, how would my holiest services be found wanting!
Give me more of this unity and simplicity of purpose. Give me to make salvation more the one thing needful. Let all other love be subordinated to Thine. Do Thou be my “chiefest joy.” May Thy service be my delight. May my heart become a little sanctuary, whence the incense of praise, and love, and thanksgiving is ascending continually. May it glow with holy zeal to promote Thy cause, and testify of Thy grace. Remembering all that Thou hast done for me, may I be animated to make a more entire consecration and surrender of all I am and have to Thy glory.
Let me feel that whatever my rank, or station, or circumstances are, I have some mission to perform for Thee. How often dost Thou choose “the foolish things of the world to confound the things that are mighty!” Let me not think my talent too trifling to trade upon. May I “occupy it till my Lord comes.” Let me not squander fleeting moments, or forego fleeting opportunities. “The night cometh, wherein none of us can work.” Enable me now, bowing at Thy mercy-seat, to replenish anew my empty vessel with the oil of Thy grace, that the lamp of faith may be kept burning brightly all the day. All that I ask is for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
“CAUSE ME TO HEAR THY LOVING-KINDNESS IN THE MORNING j FOR IN THEE DO I TRUST.”