Templation of His Divine Perfections

O glorious and ever blessed Virgin, comfort the heart of thy supplicant by obtaining for me \here mention the •particular favour you desire ]. And as I am persuaded my Divine Saviour honours thee as his beloved mother, to whom he can refuse nothing, let me speedi- ly experience the efficacy of thy powerful intercession, according to the tenderness of thy maternal affection, and his filial loving heart, who mercifully grantest the requests and compliest with the desires of those who love and fear him.

O most blessed Virgin, besides the object of my present affection, and whatever else I may stand in need of, obtain for me of thy Divine Son, our Lord and our God, lively faith, firm hope, perfect charity, true contrition, a horror of sin, love of God and my neighbour, contempt of the world, and patience and resignation under the trials and PRAYER OP ST. BERNARD. 217 afflictions of this life. Obtain likewise for me, 0 sacred mother of God, the great gift of final perseverance, and grace to receive the last sacraments worthily at the hour of my death. Lastly, obtain, I beseech thee, for the souls of my parents, brethren, relations, and bene- factors, both living and dead, life everlasting. Amen