16

A UNIVERSAL PRAYER

Fill my heart with tender affec aon for Thy goodness, hatred for my faults, love for my neighbours, and contempt of 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, courageous in dangers, patient in afflictions, and humble in prosperity.

Grant that I may be ever attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, diligent in my employments, and constant in my reso­lutions.

Let my conscience be ever upright and pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, and my conduct regular.

Assist me that I may continually labour to overcome nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.

Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity.

Grant that I may prepare for death, that I may fear Thy judgments, that I may escape hell, and in the end obtain heaven: through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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