Lancelot Andrews

Excerpts from 'Devotional Classics' edited by Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith Lancelot Andrews (1555-1626) Introduction to the Author Although Andrews was a member of the Puritans, he will always be remembered as one of the outstanding figures in the Anglican Church. Andrews became the Bishop of Ely, Winchester and Chichester, then the chaplain to Queen Elizabeth. Later he served as an apologist for King James I. He was one of the scholars appointed to prepare the King James Bible. It has been said that one of his greatest feats was his ability to compose prayers that 'lift the mind up to God.' the follow selection is taken from a book that Andrews wrote for his own 'private devotions' and never intended to publish. It consists of written prayers Andrews used as devotional aids. Use this devotional as Andrews intended it. As part of your devotional life. Excerpts from 'Private Devotions' 1. A light that never sets Through the tender mercy of our God, the dayspring from on high has visited us. Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory to you, Creator of the light, Enlightener of the world. God is the Lord who has shown us the light. By your resurrection raise us up into newness of life, supplying to us frames of repentance. The God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do His will. Work in us that which is pleasing in you sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. 2. I have sinned Lord Merciful Lord, long-suffering and full of compassion: I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned against Thee. O wretched man that I am, I have sinned Lord, against you grievously as I have participated in false vanities. I conceal nothing from you Lord. I make no excuses. I have sinned against the Lord in the following ways, and I call to mind those particular sins I wish to confess............ O Lord, righteousness belongs to you but in me there in only confusion. You are just in bringing sentence upon me. And now Lord, who is my hope? Is it not you, Lord? Truly my hope is in you. O Lord, remember what I am made of and who made me, for I am the work of your hands. I was made in your image, I am the reward of your blood, a name from your name, a sheep of your pasture, a son of the Covenant. Do not forsake the work of your own hands. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your loving-kindness, according to the multitude of you tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. 3. Incline my heart I will lift up my hands into your commandments which I have loved. Open my eyes and I shall see, incline my heart and I shall desire, order my steps and I shall walk in the ways of your commandments. O Lord, be my God, and let there be no others before you. Grant me to worship you and serve you according to your commandments; with truth in my spirit, with reverence in my body, with blessing upon my lips - both in private and in public. Help me to show honor and submission to those you have placed over me. Help me to show affection and care for those you have put under my charge. Help me to overcome evil with good, to be free from the love of money and to be content with what I have. Help me to speak the truth in love, to be desirous not to lust or to walk after the lusts of my own flesh. Hold me steady with the bit and bridal so that I do not pull away from you. O Lord, compel me to come in to you. 4. One heart and one soul O God of Truth, establish all you stand in truth, and restore all who are sick with sin and false beliefs. Grant to all who believe that we may be of one heart and one soul. O Lord of the harvest, send forth laborers into the field. Grant unto our clergy the ability to proclaim your word of truth and to live their lives according to those truths. 5. Remember my family and my kin O God, not of us only but of our seed, bless our children that they may grow in wisdom as in stature, in favor with you and with all people. Grant me all that I can do for their good. 6. Remember the lonely Remember Lord, all the infants, the children, the youth, the young, the middle-aged and the elderly who are hungry, sick, thirsty, naked, captive or friendless in this world. Be with those who are tempted to commit suicide, those who are sick in their soul, those who are in despair. Remember all those who are in prison, all those who are under the death sentence. Remember the widows and widowers and the orphans. Remember all this day who will work under oppressive conditions. Remember the lonely. 7. You are the Fountain of Life It is right and good that we, for all things, at all times and in all places, give thanks and praise to you, O God. We worship you, we confess to you, we praise you, we bless you, we sing to you, and we give you thanks: Maker, Nourisher, Guardian, Healer, Lord and Father of all. You are the fountain of life, the Treasure of everlasting good to who the heavens sing praise. Singing together with the angels...Holy , Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts, the whole earth is full of the majesty of your glory. Blessed be the glory of the Lord for His Godhead, His mysteriousness, His sovereignty, His almightyness, His eternity and His providence. The Lord is my strength, my strong rock, my defense, my deliverer, the horn of my salvation, and my refuge. Amen Read: 2 Samuel 7:18-29 Reflection 1. What has been your experience with using prayers written by another for your own devotions? 2. Lancelot Andrews offers sever kinds of prayer.: praise, confession, petition, intercession. Which type of prayer fits your current feelings as you come before God? 3. Lancelot Andrews prays for God to act in significant ways in his life and in the life of others. How has prayer changed you? Have your prayers affected others? 4. Use Lancelot Andrews prayers as your own this week. Pray them slowly as if they were your own words. Stay with each sentence until you can lift it to God from your own heart. 5. Write out your own prayers this week. Let the mood of your heart dictate the style of your prayer.