The Valley of Vision

Katie and I have been going through some times of uncertainty recently, and it has been a time for contemplation and prayer. As we have been seeking out God's calling in our lives we have returned to an old Puritan prayer brought to us by our good friend Meagan Gibson.

As is often the case, many of us struggle with the same difficulties during the same periods of time but we resist the vulnerability to share with one another our burdens. Hopefully this prayer will speak to some in the same way that it speaks to Katie and I and has spoken to many others.

The Valley of Vision

Lord, High and Holy, Meek and Lowly,

Thou Hast brought me to the valley of vision,

Where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;

Hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory

Let me learn by paradox

That the way down is the way up,

That to be low is to be high,

That the broken heart is the healed heart,

That the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

That the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

That to have nothing is to possess all,

That to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

That to give is to receive,

That the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from the deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;

Let me find thy light in my darkness,

Thy life in my death,

Thy joy in my sorrow,

Thy grace in my sin,

Thy riches in my poverty,

Thy glory in my valley.