petition

lord: i know not what i ought to ask of you, you only know what i need. you love me better than i know how to love myself. oh god! give to your child that which i myself know not how to ask. i dare not ask for either crosses or consolations: i simply present myself before you-- i open my heart to you. behold my needs which i know not myself; see and do according to your tender mercy. smite or heal, depress me or raise me up: i adore all your purposes without knowing them. i am silent; i offer myself in sacrifice. i yield myself to you. i would have no other desire than to accomplish your will. teach me to pray. pray yourself in me.