Page:TheParadiseOfTheChristianSoul.djvu/46



Prevent, O Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  our  actions  with  thy Spirit, and  further  them  by  thy  aid,  that  all  our  prayers  and works may  ever  begin  and  end  alike  with  thee. Through our Lord.

O God, to  whom  every  heart  is  open,  every  wish  speaks, and from  whom  no  secret  is  hid,  purify  the  thoughts  of  our hearts by  the  infusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  merit to love  thee  perfectly  and  to  praise  thee  worthily. Through.

Let my  prayer  be  directed  as  incense  in  thy  sight,  O King of kings,  most  excellent,  most  powerful  and  most  wise! Let thy fatherly  mercy  pardon,  I beseech  thee,  all  its  errors and defects,  and  receive  it  in  union  with  all  the  prayers  of thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ,  and  of  thy  Elect  in  heaven and on  earth,  uttered  with  all  the  affection  of  the  whole  militant and  triumphant  Church.

To thy  glory  and  praise,  and  that  of  the  Blessed  Virgin and all  the  Saints,  especially  those  whom  I have  undertaken to  honour  this  day,  according  to  the  decree  of  the Church, or  of  my  own  accord  as  my  Patrons.

In remembrance  of  the  Passion  of  Jesus  Christ  my  Saviour; in  thanksgiving  for  all  thy  benefits; for  the  salvation of  all  who  have  recommended  themselves  to  me; in satisfaction  for  all  my  sins; for  obtaining  thy  grace,  and  this virtue N.  And  grant  that  I may  bless  thee  at  all  times; and that,  as  thy  praise  is  ever  in  my  mouth,  so  too  I may praise thee  in  heart  and  deed,  and  please  thee  by  my  sobriety, modesty,  seal,  devotion,  purity,  obedience,  meekness, and patience; that  all  may  love  thee  and  glorify  thee,  who art blessed  for  ever. Amen.

Most merciful  God,  who  of  thy  infinite  goodness  hast vouchsafed to  permit  me  a sinner  to  stand  and  praise  thee in thy  presence; forgive  me,  I pray  thee,  all  the  errors which I have  admitted  into  my  prayers,  whether  through dryness, negligence,  or  natural  infirmity; that  my  prayer may not  be  turned  to  sin,  and  my  enemy  boast  against  me,