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O Eternal God,
who from all eternity dost behold and love thy own glories and
perfections infinite, and hast created me to do the work of God after
the manner of men, and to serve thee in this generation and according
to my capacities, give me thy grace, that I may be a curious and
prudent spender of my time, so as I may best prevent or resist all
temptation, and be profitable to the Christian commonwealth, and, by
discharging all my duty, may glorify thy name. Take from me all
slothfulness, and give me a diligent and an active spirit, and wisdom
to choose my employment; that I may do works proportionable to my
person and to the dignity of a Christian, and may fill up all the
spaces of my time with actions of religion and charity; that, when the
devil assaults me, he may not find me idle; and my dearest Lord, at
his sudden coming, may find me busy in lawful, necessary, and pious
actions, improving my talent entrusted to me by thee, my Lord; that I
may enter into the joy of my Lord, to partake of his eternal
felicities, even for thy mercy's sake, and for my dearest Saviour's
sake. Amen.
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John Calvin "Prayers & Devotions" |