An Act of Hope Before Communion
An act of hope in the Redeemer who comes to dwell within the communicant.
Historical edition. Historical claims and instructions are preserved as historical context.
Since thou vouchsafest to come and dwell within me, O my Redeemer, what may I not expect from thy bounty! I therefore present myself before thee with that lively confidence which thy infinite goodness inspires. Thou not only knowest all my wants, but thou art also willing and able to relieve them. Thou hast not only invited me, but also promised me thy gracious assistance: "Come to me, all you that labour and are heavy burdened, and I will refresh you." Behold, then, O Lord, I accept of thy gracious invitation; I lay before thee all my wants, my misery, and my blindness; and confidently hope, without the fear of being disappointed, that thou wilt enlighten my understanding, inflame my will, comfort me in the midst of such crosses or afflictions as thou hast appointed I should suffer, strengthen me in all temptations and trials, and in fine, with the powerful assistance of thy grace, change me into a new creature; for art not thou, O God, the master of my heart; and when shall my heart be more absolutely disposed of by thee, than when thou shalt have once entered into it?