Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/624



F we  are  in  affliction,  let  us  invoke  Jesus,  and  He  will console us. If we  are  tempted,  let  us  invoke  Jesus,  and He will  give  us  strength  to  withstand  all  our  enemies. If, lastly, we  are  in  aridity,  and  are  cold  in  divine  love,  let  us invoke  Jesus,  and  He  will  inflame  our  hearts. Happy are they who  have  this  most  tender  and  holy  name  always  on their  lips! A name  of  peace,  a  name  of  hope,  a  name  of salvation,  and  a  name  of  love.

ince, then,  O  my  Jesus! Thou art  the  Saviour Who hast  given  Thy  blood  and  Thy  life  for  me,  I pray  Thee  to  write  Thy  adorable  name  on  my  poor  heart; so that,  having  it  always  there  imprinted  by  love,  I  may  also have it  ever  on  my  lips,  by  invoking  it  in  all  my  necessities. If the  devil  tempts  me. Thy name  will  give  me  strength to resist  him;  if  I  lose  confidence,  Thy  name  will  animate me to  hope;  if  I  am  in  affliction. Thy name  will  comfort me by  reminding  me  of  all  Thou  didst  endure  for  me. If I find  myself  cold  in  Thy  love. Thy name  will  inflame  me  by reminding  me  of  the  love  Thou  hast  shown  me. If I  have hitherto fallen  into  so  many  sins,  it  is  because  I  did  not call on  Thee;  from  henceforth  Thy  name  shall  be  my  defense, my  refuge,  my  hope,  my  only  consolation,  my  only love. Thus do  I  hope  to  live,  and  so  do  I  hope  to  die, having Thy  name  always  on  my  lips.

Most holy  Virgin,  obtain  for  me  the  grace  of  invoking the name  of  thy  Son  Jesus  in  all  my  necessities  together with thine  own,  my  Mother  Mary;  but  let  me  invoke them always  with  confidence  and  love. O my  beloved Jesus! O Mary,  my  beloved  Lady! give me  the  grace  to suffer  and  to  die  for  love  of  you. I will  be  no  longer  mine own, but  altogether  yours;  yours  in  life,  and  yours  in death,  when  I  hope  by  your  help  to  expire  saying,  Jesus and Mary,  help  me;  Jesus  and  Mary,  I  recommend myself to  you;  Jesus  and  Mary,  I  love  you,  and  I  deliver up to  you  my  whole  soul.

— From Devotions  and  Prayers  by  St. Alphonsus Liguori.