Universal Prayer

 

A portrait of Pope Clement XI painted by Pier Leone Ghezzi, circa 1708. The Universal Prayer is attributed to Clement XI. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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 protector. By your wisdom direct me, By your righteousness restrain me, By your indulgence console me, By your power protect me. I offer you, Lord, my thoughts to be directed to you, my words, to be about you, my deeds, to respect your will, my trials, to be endured for you. I will whatever you will, I will it because you will it, I will it in the way you will it, I will it as long as you will it. Lord, enlighten my understanding, I pray: arouse my will, cleanse my heart, sanctify my soul. May I weep for past sins, repel future temptations, correct evil inclinations, nurture appropriate virtues. Give me, good God, love for you, hatred for myself, zeal for my neighbor, contempt for the world. May I strive to obey my superiors, to help those dependent on me, to have care for my friends, forgiveness for my enemies. The Universal Prayer Attributed to Pope Clement XI 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, steadfast in intent. May I be careful to maintain interior innocence, outward modesty, exemplary behavior, a regular life. May I be always watchful in subduing nature, in nourishing grace, in observing your law, in winning salvation. May I learn from you how precarious are earthly things, how great divine things, how fleeting is time, how lasting things eternal. Grant that I may prepare for death, fear judgment, flee hell, gain paradise. Through Christ our Lord. Amen