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Now May the God of Peace A prayer for sanctification in the fight against sin
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Lord, I desire Your will My heart yearns to obey Though daily I am faced with sin Enticing me away
So, help me rise each day Battle and war with sin I long to see You face to face And final vict’ry win
Lord, You have so designed This fight with sin in me That as I struggle, watch and pray I learn humility
So, help me to obey Holiness to pursue Deepen repentance when I fail Strengthen my faith in You
I rest within the hope Your Spirit dwells in me Completing that which was begun So holy I may be
Now may the God of Peace Sanctify me wholly And keep me blameless ‘til the day Christ comes in victory
Now I saw in my dream, that this old gentleman, as he told me this story, did himself seem to be greatly affected therewith. He moreover, proceeded and said, “So Christiana called her sons together, and began thus to address herself unto them, “My sons, I have, as you may perceive, been of late under much exercise in my soul about the death of your father; not for that I doubt at all of his happiness for I am satisfied now that he is well. I have also been much affected with the thoughts of mine own state and yours, which I verily believe is by nature miserable. My carriages also to your father in his distress is a great load to my conscience; for I hardened both my own heart and yours against him, and refused to go with him on pilgrimage.”
“The thoughts of these things would now kill me outright, but that for a dream which I had last night, and but that for the encouragement that this stranger has given me this morning. Come, my children, let us pack up, and be gone to the gate that leads to the celestial country; that we may see your father, and be with him and his companions in peace, according to the laws of that land.”
Then did her children burst out into tears for joy that the heart of their mother was so inclined. So their visitor bade them farewell: and they began to prepare to set out for their journey.
Notes and Commentary
In Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christiana made a foolish decision to remain in the City of Destruction. She hardened her heart (as well as the hearts of her children) against her husband and refused to follow him on his pilgrimage to the Celestial City. But now in Part 2 her heart is fearful and broken. She fears judgment if she stays. She fears danger if she leaves her home to embark on a journey. Yet she has a persistent hope that she will one day share the same heavenly reward that Christian has attained. Her hope has been strengthened by a visit from Secret (the hidden work of the Spirit upon the heart). And now she holds a Letter close to her heart (assurance that she will be received at the gates to the Celestial City with joy).
Christiana’s sorrows, fears, and hopes are encouraging evidence that grace is stirring in her heart. But sorrows, fears, and hopes are all for naught if she remains in Destruction. In themselves, they provide no refuge from the coming judgment. If she and her family are to be saved, they must “pack up and be gone.” They must find “the gate that leads to the celestial country.” They must find Christ!
This 18th century hymn by Gerhard Tersteegen is a timely reminder that God is the One who rules over heaven and earth. Even in days that seem tumultuous and uncertain, God is at work accomplishing His sovereign purposes. He is the One who holds the king’s heart and “turns it wherever He wishes” (Proverbs 21:1). When God humbled the proud king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar glorified God and confessed:
For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, “What have You done?” (Daniel 4:34–35)
The hymn is a humble prayer addressed to God. It’s not a request that we would simply recognize God’s authority or rightly understand His sovereign right to rule. Rather, it is an entreaty that we would readily and willingly submit to God’s authority and rejoice in His conquest. Today is indeed a season of grace. May our heart’s desire resonant with the words of this hymn:
“Come Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home.”
The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! (Psalm 110:1–2)
Conquering Prince and Lord of Glory
Conquering Prince and Lord of glory, Majesty enthroned in light; All the heavens are bowed before Thee, Far beyond them spreads Thy might; Shall not I fall at Thy feet, And my heart with rapture beat, Now Thy glory is displayed, Thine ere yet the worlds were made?
As I watch Thee far ascending To the right hand of the throne, See the host before Thee bending, Praising Thee in sweetest tone; Shall not I too at Thy feet Here the angels’ strain repeat, And rejoice that heaven doth ring With the triumph of my King?
Power and Spirit are o’erflowing, On me also be they poured; Every hindrance overthrowing, Make Thy foes Thy footstool, Lord! Yea, let earth’s remotest end To Thy righteous scepter bend, Make Thy way before Thee plain, O’er all hearts and spirits reign.
Lo! Thy presence now is filling All the church in every place; Fill my heart too; make me willing In this season of Thy grace; Come Thou King of glory, come, Deign to make my heart Thy home, There abide and rule alone, As upon Thy heavenly throne!
