Christ was all anguish that I may be all joy,
cast off that I might be brought in,
trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed as a friend,
surrendered to hell's worst that I might attain heaven's best,
stripped that I might be clothed,
wounded that I might be healed,
athirst that I might drink,
tormented that I might be comforted,
made a shame that I might inherit glory,
entered darkness that I might have eternal light.
My Savior wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes,
groaned that I might have endless song,
endured all pain that I might have unfading health,
bore a thorny crown that I might have a glory-diadem,
bowed his head that I might uplift mine,
experienced reproached that I might receive welcome,
closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness,
expired that I might live forever.
O Father, who spared not your only Son to spare me,
all this transfer your love designed and accomplished;
Help me to adore you by both lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic praise.
-Adapted from Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers
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