Lord, I believe in you: increase my faith.
I trust in you: strengthen my trust.
I love you: let me love you more and more.
I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow.
I worship you as my first beginning,
I long for you as my last end,
I praise you as my constant helper,
And call on you as my loving protector.
Guide me by your wisdom,
Correct me with your justice,
Comfort me with your mercy,
Protect me with your power.
I offer you, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on you;
My words: to have you for their theme;
My actions: to reflect my love for you;
My sufferings: to be endured for your greater glory.
I want to do what you ask of me:
In the way you ask,
For as long as you ask,
Because you ask it.
Lord, enlighten my understanding,
Strengthen my will,
Purify my heart,
and make me holy.
Help me to repent of my past sins
And to resist temptation in the future.
Help me to rise above my human weaknesses
And to grow stronger as a Christian.
Let me love you, my Lord and my God,
And see myself as I really am:
A pilgrim in this world,
A Christian called to respect and love
All whose lives I touch,
Those under my authority,
My friends and my enemies.
Help me to conquer anger with gentleness,
Greed by generosity,
Apathy by fervor.
Help me to forget myself
And reach out toward others.
Make me prudent in planning,
Courageous in taking risks.
Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.
Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer,
Temperate in food and drink,
Diligent in my work,
Firm in my good intentions.
Let my conscience be clear,
My conduct without fault,
My speech blameless,
My life well-ordered.
Put me on guard against my human weaknesses.
Let me cherish your love for me,
Keep your law,
And come at last to your salvation.
Teach me to realize that this world is passing,
That my true future is the happiness of heaven,
That life on earth is short,
And the life to come eternal.
Help me to prepare for death
With a proper fear of judgment,
But a greater trust in your goodness.
Lead me safely through death
To the endless joy of heaven.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
More information about The Universal Prayer (attributed to Pope Clement Xi)
The Universal Prayer, also known as the Prayer of Pope Clement XI, is a well-known Catholic prayer that was composed in the 18th century. The prayer is attributed to Pope Clement XI, who served as the Pope from 1700 to 1721. It has been widely used in the Catholic Church as a way to express universal sentiments of love, gratitude, and supplication.
The prayer is known for its universal language and its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. It speaks directly to God, asking for his mercy, guidance, and blessings for all humanity. The prayer acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge and the need for divine assistance in all aspects of life.
The prayer is often recited during Mass or other liturgical celebrations, as well as during private prayer and meditation. It has become a beloved tradition in the Catholic Church and has played an important role in the spiritual lives of countless believers over the years. The prayer has been translated into many languages and has been adapted for use in different cultures and contexts.
The Universal Prayer is a powerful reminder of the universality of the Catholic faith and the shared humanity of all people. It expresses a desire for peace and reconciliation among all nations and peoples, and it calls upon God’s grace and love to help humanity overcome its challenges and obstacles. Overall, the prayer is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human desire for communion with the divine.