In Light of Ephesians 5

Arthur Bennet's "The Valley of Vision" is a continual blessing for me in my prayer and devotional life. The following prayer is simply entitled happiness. Think about the words of this prayer in light of the call for us to redeem the time in Ephesians 5.

O Lord, Help me never to expect any happiness from the world, but only in thee.
Let me not think that I shall be more happy by living to myself, for I can only be happy if employed for thee, and if I desire to live in this world only to do and suffer what thou dost allot me. Teach me that if I do not live a life that satisfies thee, I shall not live a life that will satisfy myself. Help me desire the spirit and temper of angels who willingly come down to this lower world to perform thy will, though their desires are heavenly, and are not set in the least upon earthly things; then I shall be of that temper I ought to have. Help me not to think of living to thee in my own strength, but always to look to and rely on thee for assistance. Teach me that there is no greater truth than this, that I can do nothing for myself. Lord, this is the life that no unconverted man can live, yet it is an end that every godly soul presses after; Let it then be my concern to devote myself and all to thee. Make me more fruitful and more spiritual, for barrenness is my daily affliction and load. How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly with little done to good purpose! I need thy help: O may my soul sensibly depend upon thee for all sanctification, and every accomplishment of thy purposes for me, for the world, and for thy kingdom.