CHAPTER XI.
OF PETITION.
This noble oblation being well performed, we may securely and confidently proceed to the asking of any gifts and graces. First, therefore, Almighty God is to be prayed unto, with inflamed charity and ardent zeal of his divine honor, for the conversion of all nations, that all people may be illuminated with the knowledge of him, praying and adoring him as the only true and living God. To this end, from the bottom of our hearts, we may utter the words of the kingly prophet: " Confiteantur tibi populi Deus: conjiteantur tihi populi omnes."[1] "Let people, O God, confess to thee; let all people give praise to thee."
Then, we must pray to God for the prelates of the church, the supreme pastor, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, and other prelates, that he would be pleased so to govern and illuminate them, with the light of his heavenly grace, that they may be able to bring all men to the knowledge and obedience of their Creator.
We must also pray to God for kings and princes, (as St. Paul admonisheth,) and for all
- ↑ Psal. 66.
