our kind sponsors.
The Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis
The Fifteenth Chapter
HOW ONE SHOULD FEEL AND SPEAK ON EVERY DESIRABLE THING
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, this is the way you must speak on every occasion: "Lord, if it be
pleasing to You, so be it. If it be to Your honor, Lord, be it done in Your
name. Lord, if You see that it is expedient and profitable for me, then grant
that I may use it to Your honor. But if You know that it will be harmful to me,
and of no good benefit to the welfare of my soul, then take this desire away
from me."
Not every desire is from the Holy Spirit, even though it may seem right and
good. It is difficult to be certain whether it is a good spirit or a bad one
that prompts one to this or that, and even to know whether you are being moved
by your own spirit. Many who seemed at first to be led by a good spirit have
been deceived in the end.
Whatever the mind sees as good, ask and desire in fear of God and humility of
heart. Above all, commit the whole matter to Me with true resignation, and say:
"Lord, You know what is better for me; let this be done or that be done as You
please. Grant what You will, as much as You will, when You will. Do with me as
You know best, as will most please You, and will be for Your greater honor.
Place me where You will and deal with me freely in all things. I am in Your
hand; turn me about whichever way You will. Behold, I am Your servant, ready to
obey in all things. Not for myself do I desire to live, but for You -- would
that I could do this worthily and perfectly!"
A PRAYER THAT THE WILL OF GOD BE DONE
Grant me Your grace, O most merciful Jesus, that it may be with me, and work
with me, and remain with me to the very end. Grant that I may always desire and
will that which is most acceptable and pleasing to You. Let Your will be mine.
Let my will always follow Yours and agree perfectly with it. Let my will be one
with Yours in willing and in not willing, and let me be unable to will or not
will anything but what You will or do not will. Grant that I may die to all
things in this world, and for Your sake love to be despised and unknown in this
life. Give me above all desires the desire to rest in You, and in You let my
heart have peace. You are true peace of heart. You alone are its rest. Without
You all things are difficult and troubled. In this peace, the selfsame that is
in You, the Most High, the everlasting Good, I will sleep and take my rest.
Amen.
