Be Thou favorable unto me, merciful, sweet, and gracious Lord, and grant to me, Thy poor needy creature, sometimes at least to feel, if it be but a small portion, of Thy hearty affectionate love; that my faith may become more strong, my hope in Thy goodness may be increased, and that love, once kindled within me, may never fail—Amen.

Thomas à Kempis.

Give me, Lord, I pray Thee, the grace and virtue of constancy, and unwearied endurance, that so I may receive with thanksgiving whatever Thy hand may send of calamity or distress in this life, may bear it patiently, overcome it manfully, and, in every change and chance of life may, with simple trust and resignation, cast myself and all I have into the arms of Thy good Providence—Amen.

Paradise for the Christian Soul.