Robert Elmer > Quotes

“The matter is very simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But . . . we pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. —SØREN KIERKEGAARD”
― Robert Elmer, Wildflowers of Terezin

“Keep my heart tender (2 Kings 22:19), easily impressed with your word and providence, touched with an affectionate concern for your glory, and sensitive to every impulse of your Spirit.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“May I be pure in heart, that I may see God (Matthew 5:8); put to death whatever belongs to my earthly nature (Colossians 3:5).”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“He said that we need to keep it simple between God and us and speak to Him honestly and that if we ask for His help as soon as things come up, God will never fail.”
― Robert Elmer, Practicing God's Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today's Reader

“by your grace, a shining image of my dear Redeemer. May I ascribe everlasting honors to him; and to you, O Father of mercies; and to your Holy Spirit, through whose gracious influence I may call you my Father; and Jesus my Savior! Amen.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“I beg you to be gracious to me for Jesus Christ your Son’s sake. For the sake of his promise, truth, and mercy, have mercy upon me.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Pardon and forgive all the sins, iniquities, and trespasses I have ever committed against you, in what I have said or what I have done.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“As for ourselves, Lord, help us not to seek the grand things of life. Help us not to worry about the future, but we humbly ask that you would open your bountiful hand—the one on which we always depend. Give us our daily supply for what we need today, and teach us to let you take care of the rest.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Keep my heart tender (2 Kings 22:19), easily impressed with your word and providence, touched with an affectionate concern for your glory, and sensitive to every impulse of your Spirit. May I be zealous for you, God (Numbers 25:13), with a zeal based on knowledge and love (1 Corinthians 14:14). Teach me in your service to join the wisdom of the serpent with the boldness of the lion and the innocence of the dove (Matthew 10:16).”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Lord, may I put on meekness under the greatest injuries and provocations (Colossians 3:12), and, as much as it depends on me, may I live peacefully with all (Romans 12:18).”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“From the bottom of my heart”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Can’t you go any faster, old man?” called Henrik. “Hey, show‑off,” Peter replied. “I’ve been keeping it slow so you wouldn’t burn out your Olympic muscles.” He may not have been as fast as Henrik on a bicycle, but he could keep pace with his teasing any day.”
― Robert Elmer, A Way Through The Sea

“He said that to reach the level of surrender God requires,
we should keep a close watch on the motives and impulses that mingle in both spiritual and physical affairs. God gives seeing eyes to those who truly want to serve and know Him.”
― Robert Elmer, Practicing God's Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today's Reader

“Preserve us from that kind of guilt and ruin, God! Your kingdom has come to us, and its privileges. May we never abuse them and be cast down to hell, but may divine grace open our hearts to the gospel. May we receive all those who faithfully proclaim your word, and welcome them in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“May I be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), and so may it be evident to others that I am a child of God, and an heir of glory.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“May nothing stand in the way of faithfulness even to death, or deprive us of the crown of life your grace has promised.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Lord, I would be the most miserable person in the world if my hopes were only in this life. Why? Because I am hopeless without Christ’s righteousness. My life could never be comfortable, and there would be no hope at all of eternal life.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Well, fetch it, man!” said Mr. Andersen, angry for the first time all day. “Or would you like to announce to every German outside that we’re now running a hotel for weary Jews?”
― Robert Elmer, A Way Through The Sea

“And when afflictions come—which I expect in this world—may I remember that they come from you. And may that understanding fully reconcile me to them. Because the same love which gives us our daily bread also gives us our daily crosses. Teach me to take them up, and follow you, Lord (Mark 8:34), with the same attitude you showed while climbing to Calvary for my sake. Help me to say, as you did, “Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11). And when I enter into temptation, Lord, deliver me from evil (Matthew 6:13). Make me aware of my own weakness, that you may strengthen me as needed. While I am with others, help me to do and receive as much good as possible, looking to my life’s greatest purpose by honoring you in everything. And when I am alone, help me always to remember that my Heavenly Father is with me. Help me to enjoy your presence and power as it awakens me to think and act in your sight.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“His conscience never bothered him, because when he failed, he would go straight to the Lord, saying, "This is what I'll always naturally do if I'm left on my own, Lord." If he didn't stumble, though, he would always give God the credit.”
― Robert Elmer, Practicing God's Presence: Brother Lawrence for Today's Reader

“So here in your presence, Lord, I confess my own unworthiness to come before you, to call upon you, or to perform the least duty that will concern your worship and glory.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Because my heart is polluted and unclean, I beg you to be gracious to me for Jesus Christ your Son’s sake. For the sake of his promise, truth, and mercy, have mercy upon me.”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“May I be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:7) and act like a Christian in the work to which I am called. May I labor, not only or chiefly for the food that perishes, but for that which endures to eternal life (John 6:27).”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“Everyone who flees from you falls, everyone who turns to you rises, and everyone who abides in you stands. No wise person forsakes you, only the wise seek you, and no one completely finds you except the pure in heart. Those who forsake you perish. Those who love you, seek you. And those who follow you, have you.”
― Robert Elmer, Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church

“MORNING PLEADING FOR BLESSINGS Keep your servant, O God, that I may do no evil to anyone this day. Let it be your blessed will not to allow the devil nor his wicked angels, nor any of his evil members, or my enemies, to have any power to do me hurt or violence. Watch over me for good and not for evil, and command your holy angels to pitch their tents around me, for my defense and safety in my going out and coming in, as you have promised they should do for those who fear your name. Into your hands, O Father, I do here commit my soul and body, my actions, and all that I ever have, to be guided, defended, and protected by you. I am assured that whatever you take into your custody cannot perish, nor suffer any hurt or harm. And if I at any time this day will through frailty forget you, even so Lord, I beg you, in mercy—remember me. And I pray not for myself alone, but I beg you also to be merciful to your whole church, your chosen people, wherever they live upon the earth. Defend them from the rage and tyranny of the devil, the world, and the antichrist. Give your gospel a free and a joyful passage through the world, for the conversion of those you have chosen. Bless the churches and countries we live in with the peace, justice, and true faith. Bless our country’s leaders, and increase in them the gifts and spiritual graces which make them fit for those jobs where you have placed them. Direct the leaders of our country and our churches to lead the people in true faith, justice, obedience, and peace. Be merciful to the believers who fear you and call upon your name. And comfort as many among them as are sick and comfortless in body or mind. Especially be favorable to all who suffer any trouble or persecution for the testimony of your truth and your holy gospel. In your grace, deliver them out of all their troubles—however is best in your wisdom, for the glory of your name, for the further expansion of the truth, and for the increase of their own comfort and consolation. Hasten your coming, blessed Savior, and end these sinful days. Give me grace, that like a wise virgin I may be prepared with oil in my lamp to meet you, the blessed bridegroom, at your coming. Whether it be by my day of death, or at the day of judgment, Lord Jesus, come when you will; come quickly! These, and all other graces which you know I need, this day and evermore, I humbly beg and crave at your hands, O Father. I give you the glory, amen. —Lewis Bayly”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans

“If I had all things that that a person could desire on earth, what good would it do me without Christ’s righteousness?”
― Robert Elmer, Piercing Heaven: Prayers of the Puritans