Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/622

 intercession of  Mary  and  Joseph,  that  I may  serve thee faithfully  in  the  state  in  which  thou  hast  placed me. I firmly believe  all  thou  hast  revealed: protect  me, lest I should  be  found  among  the  number  of  those foolish virgins,  who  carried  lamps  without  oil. Assist me with  thy  powerful  grace,  that  I may  be  humble, charitable, and  chaste; and  not  be  like  the  barren fig tree,  fit  only  to  become  fuel  for  eternal  flames. This grace  I implore  through  the  infinite  merits  of Jesus,  my  Saviour. Amen.

OLY Ghost,  God  of  all  comfort! If thou  seest it expedient  for  the  security  of  my  salvation  that I should be  oppressed  with  tribulation,  permit  me not  to  fall. Infinite power! bear me  up;  thou knowest my  weakness. Favour me  with  thy  grace, that I may  be  compassionate  towards  my  neighbour, and govern  myself  with  the  same  spirit  of  lenity  and charity as  if  the  case  were  my  own. I deplore my censorious  temper,  and  resolve  to  be  upon  my  guard. I return thee  thanks  for  inspiring  me  with  the  resolution of  becoming  better; but  of  myself  I am  not able to  persevere  in  my  good  intentions. I beg thy assistance, that  I may  fulfil  what  thou  commandest; and then,  dear  Lord,  command  what  thou  pleasest. Afflict me  with  such  crosses  as  I can  endure,  that  I may  discharge  at  least  a part  of  the  great  debt  due  to the  divine  justice. Grant, through  the  intercession of St.  Joseph,  that  after  my  temporal  trials,  whether exterior or  interior,  I may  find  that  permanent  joy with which  thou  renderest  Him  and  His  Immaculate Spouse eternally  happy: Through  the  merits  of  our Lord Jesus  Christ,  &amp;c.