No matter where we are in life, it's important to take the time to stop and reflect. We should constantly work on bettering ourselves, which means we need to be keenly aware of our own weaknesses. And what better way is there to do that than with prayer?
I came across this Augustianian prayer on the EWTN site and knew I wanted to share it. I went ahead and included both the English and Latin version so you can feel free to use whichever you prefer.
Saint Augustine
St. Augustine of Hippo is renowned for his influential Church writings and philosophy. His life remains an inspiration for sinners everywhere. Though his mother (Saint Monica) was a devout Catholic, his father was a Pagan. Despite the best efforts of his mother, Augustine chose to embrace Manichaeism and a life of sin. During this time, his mother prayed for him ceaselessly, begging God's intercession for her wayward son. Her prayers were answered in the form of an encounter between her son and St. Ambrose (who also became a Doctor of the Church). Augustine abandoned his old ways, embraced the faith, and, of course, eventually became a saint.
The Prayer
Domine Iesu, Noverim me (Lord Jesus, Let Me Know Myself)
English
Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know Thee,
And desire nothing save only Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee.
Let me do everything for the sake of Thee.
Let me humble myself and exalt Thee.
Let me think of nothing except Thee.
Let me die to myself and live in Thee.
Let me accept whatever happens as from Thee.
Let me banish self and follow Thee,
And ever desire to follow Thee.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in Thee,
That I may deserve to be defended by Thee.
Let me fear for myself, let me fear Thee,
And let me be among those who are chosen by Thee.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in Thee.
Let me be willing to obey for the sake of Thee.
Let me cling to nothing save only to Thee,
And let me be poor because of Thee.
Look upon me, that I may love Thee.
Call me that I may see Thee,
And for ever enjoy Thee. Amen.
Latin
Domine Iesu, noverim me, noverim te,
Nec aliquid cupiam nisi te.
Oderim me et amem te.
Omnia agam propter te.
Humilem me, exaltem te.
Nihil cogitem nisi te.
Mortificem me et vivam in te.
Quaecumque eveniant accipiam a te.
Persequar me, sequar te,
Semerque optem sequi te.
Fugiam me, confugiam ad te,
Ut merear defendi a te.
Timeam mihi, timeam te,
Et sim inter electos a te.
Diffidam mihi, fidam in te.
Obedire velim propter te.
Ad nihil afficiar nisi ad te,
Et pauper sim propter te.
Aspice me, ut diligam te.
Voca me, ut videam te,
Et in aeternum fruar te. Amen.
Original files by Michael Martin
|
|
