It was a gift to me twenty-three years ago when I was a young wife and mom. It has at times been a part of my daily rhythm. Other times I’ve referred to it as a help for praying through specific situations. The Valley of Vision is a book of Puritan prayers and meditations collected by Arthur Bennett.
It is described as a help, not to supply prayers, but to “prompt and encourage the Christian as he treads the path on which others have gone before.”
Recently, I reached for The Valley of Vision and turned to the section heading for approaching God in prayer. I found this familiar prayer. It’s a request for a life that glorifies God and serves others.
And I read it aloud:
“Requests” The Valley of Vision (151
God, may I never be a blot or blank in life, cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of, or make my liberty an occasion to the flesh.
May I by love serve others, and please my neighbor for his good to edification.
May I attend to what is ornamental as well as essential in religion, pursuing things that are lovely and of good report.
May I render my profession of the gospel not only as impressive, but amiable and inviting.
May I hold forth the way of Jesus with my temper as well as my tongue, with my life as well as my lips.
May I say to all I meet, I am journeying towards the Lord’s given place, come with me for your good.
May I be prepared for all the allotments of this short, changing, uncertain life, with a useful residence in it, a comfortable journey through it, a safe passage out of it.
May I be in character and conduct like the dew of heaven, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the fullness of the fountain.
May I never be ashamed of Jesus or his words, never be deterred from fulfilling a known duty through fear, never be discouraged from attempting it through weakness.
May I see all things in a divine light so that they may inform my judgement and sanctify my heart.
And by the disciplines of thy providence, and all the ordinances of religion, may I be increasingly prepared for life’s remaining duties, the solemnities of a dying hour, and the joys of services that lie beyond the grave.
This stanza drew my focus: May I be in character and conduct like the dew of heaven, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the fullness of the fountain.
What if these four things were to affect the way we handle situations and interact with others so that we might eagerly and authentically say to them, “I am journeying towards the Lord’s given place, come with me for your good.
As dew of heaven-
Symbol of divine blessing, favor, and sustenance; life-giving and refreshing qualities of God’s provision and presence.
May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. Genesis 27:28
As salt of the earth-
Salt is only good if it remains salty. It has no taste but has the potential to add flavor, intended to have a positive, life-changing impact. Following in Christ’s footsteps and living God’s way of life.
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. Matthew 5:13
As the light of the world-
Emphasizes the importance of shining one’s light through good deeds to glorify God. Light symbolizes God, faith, and holiness throughout Scripture. Called to not only walk in the light but be light for others.
the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned. Matthew 4:16
As the fullness of the Fountain-
Symbolic of God’s grace and blessings He pours on us. This flows freely with His love and mercy, never runs dry but is a living water that refreshes our souls and gives us strength to face challenges with grace.
but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14
for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13
May we grow to be in character and conduct like the dew of heaven, the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and the fullness of the fountain as we hold forth the way of Jesus.