Act of Love #1

O My God,
I love you above all things,
with my whole heart and soul,
because you are all-good and worthy of all love.
I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you.
I forgive all who have injured me,
and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

Amen.

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Further insights into Act of Love #1

The Act of Love #1 is a Catholic prayer that expresses devotion and love towards God. Its origin can be traced back to the middle ages when it was known as the prayer of Saint Augustine of Hippo, a prominent early Christian theologian, and writer.

Augustine of Hippo believed that love was central to the Christian faith and emphasized it as a powerful force in the transformative process of conversion. The prayer, therefore, reflects Augustine’s emphasis on love as the ultimate expression of faith.

The prayer consists of a simple statement of faith, “My God, I believe in you, I hope in you, and I love you,” followed by a series of petitions asking for the grace to love God more deeply, to serve Him more faithfully, and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

The Act of Love #1 has been included in many Catholic prayer books throughout history and is often recited by individuals and groups during private and public worship. It is considered to be one of the foundational prayers of the Catholic faith.

The prayer has a special connection to the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a Catholic practice that emerged in the 17th century as a means of expressing love and adoration toward the Heart of Christ as a symbol of his infinite love for humanity.

Today, the Act of Love #1 remains a beloved expression of Catholic devotion, reminding believers of the central importance of love in the Catholic faith and the transformative power of Christ’s love in the lives of believers. It is a testament to the enduring power of Catholic spirituality and its emphasis on love and relationship as the foundation of an authentic Christian life.