In 1975, a man named Arthur Bennett published a collection of prayers and devotionals – lines and words he compiled from great Puritan writers and thinkers of the past. He called the collection The Valley of Vision. For those not already familiar with this beautiful work, I recommend it. Though some of the language is understandably archaic, the prayers are written with great thoughtfulness and lead the reader to meditate long on their meaning. Again, in the spirit of the roots of Thanksgiving, I’d like to share some lines from those prayers that have been particularly meaningful to me.

10 Lines from The Valley of Vision Upon Which I’m Thankful to Dwell

1. Quarry me deep, dear Lord, and then fill me to overflowing with living water. (From “The Deeps“)
2. Secure me by thy grace as I sail across this stormy sea. (From “The Mover“)
3. O Lover of thy people, thou hast placed my whole being in the hands of Jesus, my Redeemer, Commander, Husband, Friend, and carest for me in him. (From “Evening Prayer“)
4. I trusted thee in an hour of distress, and thou didst not fail me, though faith trembled. (From “Love Shed Abroad“)
5. When I am restored and rest in thee, give me summer weather in my heart. (From “Repose“)
6. Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion, the reign of love my motive, the law of love my rule. (From “Humility in Service“)
7. May I never seek in the creature what can be found only in the Creator. (From “A Disciple’s Renewal“)
8. Give me knowledge of thy goodness that I might not be over-awed by thy greatness. (From “Worship“)
9. Come as beautifier, bringing order out of confusion, loveliness out of chaos. (From “Spiritus Sanctus“)
10. When thou art absent all sorrows are here, when thou art present all blessings are mine. (From “Victory“)

Be blessed, dear reader. And a most Happy Thanksgiving to you.