A Devout Prayer of St. Augustine on the Sufferings of Christ
O God! who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be born—to be circumcised—to be rejected by the Jews—to be betrayed with a kiss—to be bound like a malefactor, and like an innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter—to be ignominiously brought before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod—to be accused by false witnesses—scourged with whips—buffeted—defiled with spittle—crowned with thorns—stripped of thy clothes—fastened to the cross, placed between two thieves—to have vinegar and gall given thee to drink—to have thy side pierced through with a spear! Thou, O Lord, by these most grievous pains, which I, though unworthy, do commemorate, and by thy most sacred passion and death, free me from the pains of hell, and conduct me whither thy mercy did conduct the good thief crucified with thee: who, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest for ever.