Spurgeon's Prayer: God’s Patient Correction

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.
— Psalm 103:8 (BSB)

God's mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, than diminish the great mercy of God.
— Charles Spurgeon

Father, we stand in awe of Your patience with us. Time and again, we have tested Your long-suffering, and yet You remain compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. We thank You that You have not dealt with us as our sins deserve, nor repaid us according to our iniquities. Truly, Your mercy is deeper than the oceans and higher than the heavens.

Lord, we recognize that there have been times when we have grumbled and doubted, even though You have shown us Your faithfulness time and time again. Like Israel in the wilderness, we have complained when we should have trusted. But in Your mercy, You have corrected us gently, bringing us back to the path of righteousness. Even Your discipline is lighter than we deserve, for You always deal with us in love.

We thank You for every time You have drawn us back when we strayed. We ask that You continue to correct us when we need it, but always with Your tender mercy. Teach us to accept Your discipline with humility, knowing that it is for our good. We do not want to provoke You with rebellion or grumbling. Instead, we ask for hearts that are faithful, trusting in Your wisdom and goodness, even in times of trial.

O God, fulfill Your promise to give us new hearts and put a new spirit within us. May Your fear be in our hearts, keeping us from turning away from You. Hold us close, Lord, that we may walk in Your ways and live lives that honor You. Amen.