Prayers for Meditation
FROM
Madame Cecilia's "Retreat Manual"
Preparatory Prayer
ACT OF THE DIVINE PRESENCE
MY GOD, I firmly believe that Thou art everywhere present and seest all things. Thou seest my nothingness, my inconstancy, my sinfulness. Thou seest me in all my actions; Thou seest me in this my meditation. I bow down before Thee, and worship Thy divine majesty with my whole being. Cleanse my heart from all vain, wicked, and distracting thoughts. Enlighten my understanding, and inflame my will, that I may pray with reverence, attention, and devotion.
PRAYER
O GOD, my Lord and my Creator, look graciously on Thy child, the work of Thy hands, and mercifully grant me the help of Thy grace, that all my intentions and acts during this meditation may be directed purely to the service and praise of Thy divine majesty,through Christ our Lord.
Offering of the Resolutions
MY GOD, I offer Thee these resolutions; unless Thou deignest to bless them, I can not be faithful to them. From Thy goodness, then, I hope to obtain this blessing which
