Page:StVincentsManual.djvu/398



MY God,  I  believe  in  thee;  do  thou  strengthen my faith. All my  hopes  are  in  thee;  do  thou secure them. I love  thee  with  my  whole  heart;  teach me to  love  thee  daily  more  and  more. I am  sorry  that I have  offended  thee;  do  thou  increase  my  sorrow.

I adore  thee  as  my  first  beginning. I aspire  after thee as  my  last  end. I give  thee  thanks  as  my  constant benefactor. I call  upon  thee  as  my  sovereign protector.

Vouchsafe, O  my  God,  to  conduct  me  by  thy  wisdom, to  restrain  me  by  thy  justice,  to  comfort  me  by thy  mercy,  to  defend  me  by  thy  power.

To thee  I  desire  to  consecrate  all  my  thoughts words, actions,  and  sufferings;  that  henceforward  I may  think  of  thee,  speak  of  thee,  willingly  refer  all my actions  to  thy  greater  glory,  and  suffer  willingly whatever thou  shalt  appoint.

Lord, I  desire  that  in  all  things  thy  will  may  be  done, because it  is  thy  will,  and  in  the  manner  thou  wiliest.

I beg  of  thee  to  enlighten  my  understanding,  to  inflame my  will,  to  purify  my  body,  and  to  sanctify  my soul.

Give me  strength,  O  my  God. to expiate  my  offences, to overcome  my  temptations,  to  subdue  my  passions, and to  acquire  the  virtues  proper  for  my  state.

Fill my  heart  with  a  tender  affection  for  thy  goodness, a  hatred  for  my  faults,  a  love  for  my  neighbor, and contempt  for  the  world.

Let me  always  remember  to  be  submissive  to  my superiors,  condescending  to  my  inferiors,  faithful  to my  friends,  and  charitable  to  my  enemies.

Assist me  to  overcome  sensuality  by  mortification, avarice by  alms-deeds,  anger  by  meekness,  and  tepidity by devotion.

O my  God,  make  me  prudent  in  my  undertakings