From Sampler to Sower

We know that one of the formative influences on the thought and theology of John Wesley was Bishop Jeremy Taylor and his book Holy Living and Dying.

Here is a prayer for holy intentions designed by Taylor to be prayed at the outset of study and preaching.  It is both beautiful and profound, and I offer it here without further comment, in the hopes that it will challenge and inspire you as it has me.

O Eternal God, who has made all things for man, and man for thy glory,
sanctify my body and soul,
my thoughts and my intentions,
my words and actions,
that whatsoever I shall think, or speak, or do,
may be by me designed to the glorification of thy name;
and by thy blessing it may be effective and successful in the work of God,
according as it can be capable.

Lord turn my necessities into virtue;
the works of nature into the works of grace,
by making them orderly, regular, temperate, subordinate,
and profitable to ends beyond their own proper efficacy:
and let no pride or self-seeking,
no covetousness or revenge,
no impure mixture or unhandsome purposes,
no little ends and low imaginations,
pollute my spirit, and unhallow any of my words and actions:

But let my body be a servant of my spirit,
and both body and spirit servants of Jesus;
that doing all things for thy glory here,
I may be partaker of thy glory hereafter;
through Jesus Christ ourLord.

Amen.