The threefold Name

A prayer of worship

Just like that, we’re rounding the corner into summer again.

The last few weeks of May always feel like a sprint. As we take a short breather this weekend and get ready for the advent of the next season, I wanted to share a short reflection from The Valley of Vision.

This prayer caught my eye because of its connection to a book I’m reading right now, Dorothy Sayers’ The Mind of the Maker, which examines human creativity as an analogy for the Trinity.

As I was reading Sayers’ work, it hit me that I don’t often reflect on the Trinity as such. Though it’s one of the most central doctrines of the faith, I think it’s easy to get caught up in the theological and philosophical tripwire that borders the concept and decide to avoid addressing it altogether.

I don’t think that’s the right approach to this teaching, though. Sure, it’s mysterious—but a mystery shouldn’t be a deterrent, but an invitation to reflection and deeper consideration.

So, this week, I invite you to spend some time thinking about the Trinity with me. Use this prayer as a launchpad, and thank God for allowing you to participate in this threefold life with him.

The Trinity

from The Valley of Vision

Three in One, One in Three,
God of my salvation,

Heavenly Father, blessed Son, eternal Spirit,
I adore thee as one Being, one Essence, one God in three distinct Persons,
for bringing sinners to they knowledge and to thy kingdom.

O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my nature,
shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
wrought righteousness to cover my unworthiness;
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me and entered my heart,
implanted there eternal life,
revealed to me the glories of Jesus.

Three Persons and one God, I bless and praise thee,
for love so unmerited, so unspeakable,
so wondrous, so mighty to save the lost
and raise them to glory.

O Father, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast given me to Jesus, to be his sheep, jewel, portion;
O Jesus, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast accepted, espoused, bound me;
O Holy Spirit, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast exhibited Jesus as my salvation,
implanted faith within me,
subdued my stubborn heart,
made me one with him for ever.

O Father, thou art enthroned to hear my prayers,
O Jesus, thy hand is outstretched to take my petitions,
O Holy Spirit, thou art willing to help my infirmities,
to show me my need,
to supply words, to pray within me,
to strengthen me that I faint not in supplication.

O Triune God, who commandeth the universe,
thou hast commanded me to ask for those things
that concern thy kingdom and my soul.

Let me live and pray as one baptized into the threefold Name.

From the archives:

The maple tree is in full leaf yet again…