Prayer of Thomas aKempis Concerning Being Strengthened

 Prayer of Thomas aKempis Concerning Being Strengthened

But because I am still weak in love and imperfect in virtue,

  I need to be strengthened and comforted by Thee;

  therefore visit Thou me often

       and instruct me with Thy holy ways of discipline. 

Deliver me from evil passions,

       and cleanse my heart from all inordinate affections, that,

   being healed and altogether cleansed within,

       I may be made ready to love, strong to suffer, steadfast to endure.

    Thomas aKempis, The Imitaion of Christ, Chp iii.5.2