An Act of Oblation
In crowning the innumerable gifts thou hast already bestowed upon me with the inestimable favour of giving me thyself, thou desirest to convince me that I should live but for thy sake alone, O God of goodness and mercy! This, O Lord, is what I also most fervently wish: I would have all my thoughts, words, actions, and whatever designs I may form or put into execution, for the time to come, always directed by a most perfect resignation to thy holy will. I desire that my health, fortune, strength, reputation, talents of mind and body; in a word, whatever relates to me, either interiorly or exteriorly, may be entirely disposed of to thy honour and glory. I consecrate the remainder of my life, without the least reserve, to thy divine service. I now make an offering unto thee of whatever pains or sufferings I may hereafter undergo in my last sickness, and cheerfully accept of whatever crosses thou mayest henceforth be pleased to afflict me with. “Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.”—Psalm xxx.