Prayers of Faith

Benedict of Nursia (480 - 547)

"If we persist in the observance of the walk of humility, we will begin to be humble,
not from force of habit, but as a way of life.
What started as fear of hell, will end in love for Christ and taking pleasure in virtue."

Prayer of Surrender to Christ

O Lord, I place myself in Your hands and dedicate myself to You.

I pledge myself to do Your will in all things--

to love the Lord God with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength.

to discipline the body, to maintain balance in all things,

to love fasting, to relieve the poor, To clothe the naked,

to visit the sick, to help in trouble,

to honor all persons, to love my enemies.

to bear patiently any injury done to me.

to prefer nothing to the love of Christ.

I pledge myself to do Your will in all things--

not to kill, not to steal, not to covet, Not to bear false witness,

not to do to another what I should not want done to myself.

not to give way to anger, not to foster a desire for revenge.

not to entertain deceit in the heart, not to make a false peace.

not to be proud, not to forsake charity, not to seek after pleasures

not to desire to be thought holy, but to seek holiness.

never to forget that You see me everywhere.

I pledge myself to do Your will in all things--

to fulfill the commandments of God by good works.

to avoid idle talk,

to speak the truth with heart and tongue.

to pray often, and to seek ways to amend my life.

to love chastity, to hate no one, To honor the aged, to pray for my enemies,

to make peace after a quarrel, before the setting of the sun.

to bless those who curse me, to love my enemies.

to call upon Christ for defense against evil thoughts that arise in my heart.

I pledge myself to do Your will in all things--

not to swear, lest I swear falsely, not to return evil for evil,

not to be given to intoxicating drink, not to be an overeater,

not to be lazy, not to be slothful, not to be a detractor.

not to be jealous or envious of anyone.

not to engage my tongue in evil speech,

not to speak of matters that are trivial,

never to despair of your mercy, O God of mercy.

O Lord, I place myself in Your hands and dedicate myself to You.