Prayer for the Gifts to Seek God and Live in Him

 

 

Father,
in Your goodness grant me
 the intellect to comprehend You,
the perception to discern You,
and the reason to appreciate You.

In Your kindness endow me
with the diligence to look for You,
the wisdom to discover You,
and the spirit to apprehend You.

In Your graciousness bestow on me
a heart to contemplate You, 

ears to hear You,
eyes to see You,
and a tongue to speak of You.

In Your mercy confer on me
a conversation pleasing to You,
the patience to wait for You,
and the perseverance to long for You.
Grant me a perfect end - Your Holy Presence.

Amen.

Prayer of Saint Benedict of Nursia, Monk and Founder of Benedictines

Philippians 4 : 11 - 13

I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith. I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound: (everywhere, and in all things I am instructed) both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and to suffer need. I can do all these things in him who strengtheneth me.

1 Peter 4: 12 - 19

Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you; But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory, and power of God, and that which is his Spirit, resteth upon you.But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a railer, or a coveter of other men's things. But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God? And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.