a little tozer

i first read aw tozer's 'the pursuit of god' when i was in college. sarah and i used to take it with us to our retreats to read outside in the dark by the light of a headlamp. my original copy was highlighted and well worn and marked up. i think i lent it to someone my senior year and never got it back.

after a 3+ year absence, i am finally re-reading it. and i'm finding it to be as good as i remembered it--even though i'm reading it by myself sans headlamp. [thanks sarah for sending me a new copy] it isn't complicated or lofty writing, but it's profound. and it's reminding me of things i need to be reminded of in my own pursuit of god. i particularly love the prayers at the end of each chapter. after reading each little chapter, the prayers capture exactly how i feel and what i want to pray.

below is the prayer i read last night. it is particularly meaningful to me given recent situations at work and in my life. but i think it would likely be a good prayer for any day to refocus and give me the right perspective.

O God, be Thou exalted over my possessions. Nothing of earth's treasures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life.

Be Thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shalt be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth.

Be Thou exalted above my comforts. Though it mean the loss of bodily comforts and the carrying of heavy crosses, I shall keep my vow made this day before Thee.

Be Thou exalted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please Thee even if as a result I must sink into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream.

Rise, O Lord, into thy proper place of honor, above my ambitions, above my likes and dislikes, above my family, my health and even my life itself.

Let me sink that Thou mayest rise above. Ride forth upon me as Thou didst ride into Jerusalem mounted upon the humble little beast, a colt, the foal of an ass, and let me hear the children cry to Thee, "Hosanna in the highest."

Amen.