A 16th Century Priest Helps Us Renew Our Struggle to Be Free of Self and Grow Closer to God Today

A 16th century priest created something to help us renew our struggle to be free of self and grow closer to God today. It only takes a few minutes to read. 

Our work need not be a hindrance in our endeavor. We simply ask God for the grace we need and get on with the day's labor. 

If possible, read it slowly and let the words sink in. Maybe even take a minute or two to meditate on these words.

Waiting for the Lord

Grant me grace
O my God and sovereign Good
To find more joy in Thee than in all creatures
More than in health and beauty
More than in glory and honor
More than in power and riches
More than in knowledge and friendship
More than in reputation and praises
More in fine than all Thou canst give me
Whether visible or invisible
For Thou are infinitely more lovable
Than all Thy blessings
Thou alone art most high
Most powerful, most beautiful, most noble
Thou are a true paradise
And paradise without Thee would be exile
My heart can find perfect peace in nothing
But in Thee alone
Thou knowest it, O Lord
Therefore thou hast invented admirable means
Of abiding in me
That I might abide in Thee
Thou seekest me when I forget Thee
Thou comest to me when I fly from Thee
When I depart from Thee Thou dost threaten.

O Jesus
Most pure Spouse of my soul
When shall I be delivered from myself
That I may dwell in Thee
When will the happy moment come
That I may be overwhelmed with Thy perfections
And may taste how sweet Thou art
When shall I give myself entirely to Thee
That I may be drowned in Thy love
And may no longer feel anything of myself
Behold me in Thy presence
Let the voice of my poverty plead for me
Better than my own
Hear that voice, O my God
And make haste to come
To Thy poor and unworthy servant
Thou art my joy
Without Thee I cannot be content.

(Father Thomas of Jesus, 1529-1582)