Prayers of Faith

John di Fidanza (Bonaventure of Albano) (1090 - 1153)

"Seeking first the kingdom means
to prefer to bear the yoke of modesty and restraint
rather than allow sin to reign in your mortal body.'

Prayer for Dedication and Perseverance

Penetrate my inner soul, O sweet Lord Jesus,

with the most joyous and healthy wound of Your love,

and with honest, serene and most reverent charity,

that my soul may ever desire

and melt with total love and longing for You.

May I yearn for You, may I long to be with You.

Grant that my soul may hunger after You:

the food of Angels, the refreshment of spirit, our daily bread,

having all sweetness and savor and every delightful taste.

May my heart ever hunger and thirst for You, fill me.

You who the angels desire to approach,

may my inner most being be filled with the sweetness of Your essence;

the fountain of life, of wisdom, of knowledge, of eternal light,

the focus of pleasure, the fullness of the house of God.

May my soul be consumed with You,

seek You,find You,

run to You, come to You,

meditate on You, speak of You,

May I do all for the praise and glory of Your name,

with humility and honor,

with love and delight,

with ease and affection,

with perseverance to the end.

May You alone be my only hope,

my entire confidence, my riches,

my delight, my pleasure,

my joy, my rest and serenity, my peace,

my sweetness, my food, my refreshment,

my refuge, my help, my wisdom,

my portion, my possession, my treasure.

May it be You

in whom my mind and my heart

be ever focused, firm, rooted and immovable.