This liturgy is a two-part book liturgy based on the book “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment” by Jeremiah Burroughs. When I read the book, and every time I revisit these liturgies, I am challenged again – do I really believe that I have a Good Father who is entirely in control?
The liturgies can be used separately, or could be combined together, doing part 1 and then part 2 one after the other. Part 1 focuses on the tension that exists in the subject of contentment – the reality of a radically good God who uses suffering for deep purpose. And the reality that the prosperity, comforts, and position that we often chase after will never truly satisfy. Part 2 dwells on the deep riches that we have in Christ – riches that satisfy far more deeply than anything this world could offer.
Liturgy – The Riches in Christ
My Father, teach me the art of contentment – the sweet, inward, quiet, and gracious spirit which freely submits to and delights in your wise and fatherly rule in every condition. [19]
Father, there is nothing in this world that will truly satisfy our souls. Our lack of contentment is not that we don’t have enough of the world. We are not content in the things of the world because there is nothing in the world proportional to our immortal souls that are capable of God himself. [91]
Teach us this reality, the deep rich is in you, unmatched by any other desire:
- We are your children, calling you Father.
- We stand before you as children of the King of heaven.
- We are the spouse of Christ, do we not have enough, everything, in him?
- All the riches of Jesus Christ are ours.
- More than a spouse, we are members, one with Christ.
- And still more, coheirs with Christ and all the godly men and women of all ages. We stand together made one in Jesus.
- God’s own spirit living in us, a temple for the living God. The Holy Spirit given to bestow all the comforts and spiritual riches of the Father and the Son to the souls of his people. [144-146]
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart.
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art!
My Father, teach me the art of contentment – the sweet, inward, quiet, and gracious spirit which freely submits to and delights in your wise and fatherly rule in every condition. [19]