Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter XV
CHAPTER XV.
IN EVERYTHING WHICH WE DESIRE HOW WE OUGHT TO STAND, AND WHAT WE OUGHT TO SAY.
Y son, say thou thus in everything; Lord, if this be pleasing unto Thee, so let it be.
"Lord, if it be to Thy honour, in Thy Name let this be done.
"Lord, if Thou see it to be expedient and profitable for me, then grant unto me that I may use this to Thine honour.
"But if Thou know it will be hurtful unto me, and no profit to the health of my soul, take away the desire from me."
For every desire proceedeth not from the Holy Spirit, even though it seem unto a man right and good.
It is difficult to judge truly whether a good spirit or the contrary be urging thee to desire this or that; or whether by thine own spirit thou be moved thereunto.
Many have been deceived in the end, who at the first seemed to be led by a good spirit.
2. Therefore whatever seemeth to be desirable, must always be desired and prayed for in the fear of God and with humility of heart; and chiefly thou must commit the whole matter to Me with special resignation of thyself, and thou must say, "Lord, Thou knowest what is best for us, let this or that be done, as Thou pleasest.
"Give what Thou wilt, and how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt.
"Deal with me as Thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth Thee, and is most for Thy honour.
"Set me where Thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as Thou wilt.
"I am in Thy hand: turn me round, and turn me back again, as Thou shalt please.
"Behold, I am Thy servant, prepared for all things: for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee, and O that I could do it worthily and perfectly!"
A Prayer that the will of God may be fulfilled.
3. O most merciful Jesus, grant to me Thy grace, that it may be with me, and work with me, and continue with me even to the end.
Grant that I may always desire and will that which is to Thee most acceptable, and most dear.
Let Thy will be mine, and let my will ever follow Thine, and agree perfectly with it.
Let my will be all one with Thy will, and let me not be able to will, or forego anything, but what Thou willest or dost not will.
4. Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world, and for Thy sake love to be contemned, and not known in this generation.
Grant to me above all things to desire to rest in Thee, and in Thee to have my heart at peace.
Thou art the true peace of the heart: Thou its only rest; out of Thee all things are full of trouble. In this peace, that is, in Thee, the one chiefest eternal Good, I will lay me down and sleep.Amen.