A Prayer for Purity
Count Zinzendorf's sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's purity and guidance through prayer and faith in Christ.
Count Zinzendorf preaches about the deep desire for God to search and purify our hearts, breaking the chains of sin and setting us free. He emphasizes the need for God to cleanse us, refine our thoughts, and lead us in the path of righteousness, providing light and guidance in times of darkness and trouble. Zinzendorf calls for Jesus to intervene in times of overwhelming sorrow, to uplift and bring comfort, and to be our unwavering support in following His ways, even through challenges, until we find eternal peace and joy in His presence.
Text
O Thou, to whose all-searching sight
The darkness shineth as the light,
Search, prove my heart; it pants for Thee;
O burst these bonds, and set it free!
Wash out its stains, refine its dross,
Nail my affections to the Cross;
Hallow each thought; let all within
Be clean, as thou, my Lord, art clean!
If in this darksome wild I stray,
Be Thou my Light, be Thou my Way;
No foes, no violence I fear,
No fraud, while Thou, my God art near.
When rising floods my soul o'erflow,
When sinks my heart in waves of woe,
Jesus, Thy timely aid impart,
And raise my head, and cheer my heart.
Savior, where'er Thy steps I see,
Dauntless, untired, I follow Thee;
O let They hand support me still,
And lead me to Thy holy hill!
If rough and thorny be the way,
My strength proportion to my day;
Till toil, and grief, and pain shall cease,
Were all is calm, and joy, and peace.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The need for divine search and purification - The importance of being cleansed from sin - The role of the Cross in our sanctification
- II points: - Finding guidance in darkness - Trusting God as our light and way - Fearlessness in the presence of God
- III points: - Seeking Jesus in times of trouble - The assurance of His timely aid - The joy of following Christ
- IV points: - Enduring through life's challenges - God's provision of strength - The promise of eternal peace
Key Quotes
“O burst these bonds, and set it free!” — Count Zinzendorf
“Nail my affections to the Cross;” — Count Zinzendorf
“If rough and thorny be the way, My strength proportion to my day;” — Count Zinzendorf
Application Points
- Regularly pray for God to cleanse your heart and align your desires with His.
- Trust in God's presence during difficult times to find strength and peace.
- Follow Jesus faithfully, knowing He will guide you through life's challenges.