merit to behold, with him and all the angelic host, the glory of Thy countenance in the heavenly country. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.
ANOTHER PRAYER TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL.
O MOST faithful companion, appointed by God to be my guardian, my protector, and defender, and who never leavest my side; how shall I thank thee for thy faithfulness and love, and for all the benefits which thou hast conferred upon me? Thou watchest over me while I sleep; thou comfortest me when I am sad; thou liftest me up when I am down; thou avertest the dangers that threaten me; thou warnest me of those that are to come; thou withdrawest me from sin, and excitest me to good, thou exhortest me to penance when I fall, and reconcilest me to God. Long ago should I have been thrust down into hell, unless by thy prayers thou hadst turned away from me the anger of God. Leave me not, nor forsake me ever, I beseech thee; but still comfort me in adversity, restrain me in prosperity, defend me in danger, assist me in temptations, lest at any time I fall beneath them. Offer up in the sight of the divine Majesty my prayers and all my works of piety, and make me to persevere in grace until I come to everlasting life. Amen.
Little Office of the Holy Angels.
AT MATINS.
Ant. GOD hath given His angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.
O Lord, open Thou my lips,
And my tongue shall declare Thy praise.
O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, etc. Alleluia.
Hymn.
O LORD, permit us here to raise our voice. And waft before Thy throne our feeble praise, And thank Thee for those angels whom Thy choice
Hath lent our weakness to direct its ways, And free us from the envious foes that lurk To spoil the beauty of Thy cherished work.
