—

“O Lord,

Length of days does not profit me

except for days passed in thy presence,

in thy service, to thy glory.

Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,

sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,

That I may not be one moment apart from thee,

but may rely on thy Spirit to supply every thought,

speak in every work,

direct every step,

prosper every work,

build up every mote of faith,

and give me a desire to show forth thy praise;

testify thy love,

advance thy kingdom.”

(A New Years prayer, Puritan prayers)