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A Prayer for Single-hearted Devotion to Jesus

     There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child [Jesus] to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)

Dear Lord Jesus, this story reminds me that only you are worthy of my heart’s affection, adoration, and allegiance. You are a most wonderful and merciful Savior. Should you be pleased to keep me in this world till I’m 84, then like Anna, keep me alive to your beauty, passionate for your glory, and hope-full of your coming. I want to love you like Anna loved you.

Because of what you accomplished by your life, death, and resurrection, one Day the entire earth will be covered with the knowledge of the glory of God. The final sanctuary won’t be Israel’s Temple, where Anna met you, but every square inch of the new heaven and new earth. “For the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Rev. 21:22).

Every creature and all creation will be liberated for the praise of your glory and grace. Hasten that glad and glorious Day—when everything above the earth, on the earth, and under the earth will be healed and set free, for the perpetual enjoyment and worship of the Triune God. In that Day, we will realize that the Garden of Eden was just a hint and whisper of coming attractions. No longer will we have to say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9), for we will see, hear, and enjoy everything prepared for us. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah!

In light of that Day, free me to live this day with the humility becoming a man saved by grace; the peace that comes from knowing you are my righteousness; and the joy generated by your constant advocacy and prayers for us. So very Amen I pray, in your triumphant and tender name.

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