Prayer of Trust and Submission:

(Quoted prayers by Menno Simons and John Calvin taken from Grace from Heaven: Prayers of the Reformation, Robert Elmer, ed.) 

Romans 14:7-8 - For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 

Heavenly Father: 

Our only hope in life and death is that we are not our own, but we belong, body and soul, both in life and in death, to you and to our Savior Jesus Christ (New City Catechism, Question 1). 

We rejoice that you are the ultimate focus of our every hope and expectation, in this life and in the life to come. With Abraham and Jacob, Joseph and Moses, David in the mountains, Hezekiah in Jerusalem, the young men in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lion’s den; with Peter in prison, Stephen before the Sanhedrin, and John on Patmos, we trust in you—and with them we are not ashamed. (Menno Simons,  I Am In Trouble—and I Trust In You) 

 There is no need for fear, there is no reason for self-determination, there is no cause for alarm, there is no hope in that which passes away, for only you are eternal, unchanging, almighty, and only you have redeemed your people through the obedient blood of Christ. 

What a privilege it is to be yours: to live on your terms, rather than ours! To labor as stewards of your talents is of far greater profit than to pursue the wealth that inflation and rust diminishes; to minister quietly for your glory in the fields of your harvest is of greater satisfaction than to gain for ourselves worldly prestige and acclaim. 

As we look back on this week, we are convicted that we have entertained thoughts and feelings, and pursued words and actions, which have not reflected your ownership of us through the redeeming work of Christ. Forgive us, Father. Press upon us the solemn conviction that you are our Lord. Pry from our fingers and destroy in our sight every idol that seeks to captivate our affections and steal for itself the glory that rightly belongs to you. Remind us of our former captivity, and how you have brought us to the glorious freedom of loving you and being known as your servants. 

With past generations of your people, we pray that your name be glorified! Plant us in the courts of your house so that we grow and flourish. And may that fruit appear throughout our entire life, until we at last come to enjoy the blessed life that is prepared for us in heaven, through Christ our Lord. (John Calvin, Plant the Seed That Brings Lifetime Fruit) 

Amen