Ave Maria Meditations
I believe, O Lord, but may I believe more firmly; I hope, but may I hope more securely; I love, but may I love more ardently; I sorrow, but may I sorrow more deeply.
I adore You as my first beginning; I long for You as my last end; I praise You as my constant benefactor; I invoke You as my gracious defender.
By Your wisdom direct me, by Your righteousness restrain me, by Your clemency console me, by Your power protect me.
I offer You, Lord, my thoughts, as toward You, my words, as about You, my deeds, as following You, my trials, as for Your sake.
I will whatever You will, I will it because You will, I will it in the way You will, I will it so long as You will.
I pray, Lord, enlighten my understanding, inflame my will, cleanse my heart, sanctify my soul.
May I weep for sins past, repel temptations to come, correct evil leanings, nurture fit virtues.
Give me, good God, love for You, hatred for myself, zeal for my neighbor, contempt for the world.
May I strive to obey those above me, to aid those beneath me, to have care for my friends, to spare my enemies.
May I conquer sensuality by austerity, avarice by generosity, anger by gentleness, lukewarmness by fervor.
Render me prudent in planning, steadfast in dangers, patient in adversity, humble in prosperity.
Make me, O Lord, attentive at prayer, moderate at meals, diligent at work, firm in purpose.
May I be careful to maintain inward innocence, outward modesty, exemplary behavior, a well-governed life.
May I be always watchful in subduing nature, fostering grace, observing Your law, winning salvation.
May I learn from You how precarious is the earthly, how great the divine, how fleeting the temporal, how lasting the eternal.
Grant that I may prepare for death, fear judgment, flee hell, gain paradise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pope Clement XI
