“Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father
thou art the guide of my youth. — Jer. iii. 4.

From this time! From this time, Thou
wilt have me cry unto Thee. Solemn and
blessed time, when I have become a Cate-
chumen. In Thy name have I made the
good resolution. Behind me is the world,
which I have renounced forever. Before me
is the Holy Supper of my Saviour’s dying
love for which I am about to prepare. I am
weak; the world, the flesh, and the devil are
strong. Yes, I will from this time cry unto
Thee. Holy Spirit, help my infirmities!
for I know not what I should pray for as I
ought. Make Thou intercessions for me with
groanings that cannot be uttered.

Thou, my God, givest me words, and in-
vitest me to cry unto Thee as My Father!
In this Thou declarest that I am Thy child.
Blessed words! I am an unworthy, and
sinful child; but still Thy child. As a Fa-
ther pitieth his children, so Thou dost pity
me; for Thou knowest my frame, and re-
memberest that I am dust. Thou hast as-
sured me that if earthly parents, being evil,
know how to give good gifts unto their chil-
dren, much more wilt Thou, my heavenly
Father, give the Holy Spirit in answer to
my prayers.

To Thee will I cry, my Father. To Thee
will I cry, Thou Guide of my youth!
Thou sayest, Seek ye my face; and my
heart replies, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Hear, Lord, when I cry with my voice;
have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
Show me Thy ways, Lord; teach me Thy
paths.

Hide not Thy face from me; put not Thy
servant away in anger; Thou hast been my
help; leave me not, neither forsake me,
God of my salvation!

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor
my transgressions; according to Thy mercy
remember Thou me for Thy goodness’ sake,
Lord.