Page:Withgodbookofpra00las.djvu/676

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to point out and smooth for me the way to follow Thee. Fool and ungrateful that I am, how have I wandered far away from Thee! Pardon me, my Jesus! Take away from me all hateful pride and ambition, that with lowly heart I may follow Thee, my Jesus, amidst humiliations and so gain peace and salvation. Strengthen me. Thou who canst, and I will ever bless Thy sacred Heart. Pater once, Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.

III

My Jesus, I marvel at Thy most patient Heart, and I give Thee thanks for all the wondrous examples of unwearied patience which Thou hast left us. It grieves me that these examples still have to reproach me for my excessive delicacy, shrinking from every little pain. Pour, then, into my heart, O dear Jesus, a fervent and constant love of suffering and the cross, of mortification and of penance, that, following Thee to Calvary, I may with Thee attain the joys of Paradise. Pater once, Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.

IV

Dear Jesus, beside Thy most gentle Heart I set my own, and shudder to see how unlike mine is to Thine. How am I wont to fret and grieve when a hint, a look, or a word thwarts me! Pardon all my violence, and give me for the future grace to imitate in every contradiction Thy unalterable meekness, that so I may enjoy an everlasting holy peace. Pater once, Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.

V

LET US sing praise to Jesus for his generous Heart, conqueror of death and hell; for well it merits every praise. Still more than ever confounded am I, looking upon my coward heart, which dreads even a rough word or injurious taunt. But it shall be so with me no more. My Jesus, I pray Thee for such strength that, fighting and conquering self on earth, I may one day rejoice triumphantly with Thee in heaven. Pater once, Gloria five times. Sweet Heart, etc.