Perpetual Appeal

 A portion of some Psalm-reading...

from chapters 16-20...

and today's devotion from My Utmost for His Highest,

are part of what inspired today's prayer-poem,

because if I am honest and because God sees my heart

He knows my most earnest need...more love for Thee

With reverence and awe and praise

Honing humility

I have one plea, Lord, all my days

Increase my love for Thee

With wonder for Your love for me

Bid me heed Thy command

And keep my eyes fixed upon Thee

And joys at Thy right hand

Guard me from that which blinds desire

To pleasures evermore

The heat of love's refining fire

Oh, let me not abhor

Lord, let me unswervingly hold

To Thy judgments so true

For they are dearer than fine gold,

Sweeter than honey too

Open my eyes to see anew

That which should be most dear

And lest I have gods before You

Increase beholden fear

Lord, let the power of Thy word

Be all the strength I seek

And let the life Thy death incurred

Make every motive meek

Without complaint or dread, bid me

Take up my cross with praise

And a vision of Calvary

Always before my gaze

How great the loss, should I pursue

Anything else beside

And strive to fill my need for You

With selfishness and pride

Thus, as I think upon these things

Lord, hear my humble plea

In whatever this new day brings

Increase my love for Thee

Amen

© Janet Martin

So sharing this often-before-shared hymn seems fitting...

More Love to Thee

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3).