Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/357

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and those of thy servants of this Association, whom I particularly recommend to thee. Amen.

ACT OF PETITION.

Most bountiful Heart of Jesus, hypostatically united to the Eternal Word! ever present in the Holy Eucharist, receive my homage, and the tribute of prayer which I here offer, prostrate at the throne of thy mercy.

To whom, my God! can I address my petition with equal confidence? Thy care watched over me from all eternity; in time thy indulgence drew me out from my non-existence ; thy goodness preserves me every moment of life, and thy manificence supports, feeds, and nourishes me. But still, my Lord and Creator! I am environed with a world of enemies, who continually disturb the quiet and peace of my mind interiorly, and exteriorly assault my weakness with violence. I am tempted to cry out a thousand times in the day: Save us, O Lord! we perish. Open then a sanctuary into which I may retire; a refuge, where I may be covered against the attacks of my enemies; a harbour, where, after escaping from the tempestuous waves, I may repose.

Thou hast granted the Sacred Heart of Jesus unto us, and in it thy servants have found these advantages.

The Associates of the Sacred Heart have a particular right and title to this holy and safe retreat ; give them then a distinguished place in it. Thou, O Virgin Mother! enforce my petition by thy powerful mediation.

Sweet Jesus! receive this my prayer! May it be acceptable in thy sight from my hands, and those of thy servants of this Association, whom I particularly recommend to thee. Amen.