More evidence to the fact that St. Thomas Aquinas is indeed Catholic, and not a proto-Protestant as some claim. I am glad that many Protestants wish to self-identify as Thomists. Not intending to offend, just state the truth about St. Thomas Aquinas.
It is said that St. Thomas recited this daily before the image of Christ. Notice that he did not claim the kind of assurance of salvation that many Protestant groups promise. There is no sense of “once saved, always saved” in these words.
He prayed for perseverance, something that not even he presumed to already have.
On the other hand, there is really nothing in this prayer that a non-Catholic Christian should feel uncomfortable praying. It is truly Christian. Truly Catholic.
~ For Ordering a life Wisely ~
O merciful God, grant that I may desire ardently, search prudently,
and bring to perfect completion whatever is pleasing to You for the
praise and glory of your name.
Put my life in good order, O my God.
Grant that I may know what you require me to do.
Bestow upon me the power to accomplish Your will, as is necessary
and fitting for the salvation of my soul.
Grant to me, O Lord my God, that I may not falter in times of prosperity
or adversity, so that I may not be exalted in the former, nor dejected
in the latter.
May I not rejoice in anything unless it leads me to You; may I not be
saddened by anything unless it turns me from you.
May I desire to please no one, nor fear to displease anyone, but You.
May all transitory things, O Lord, be worthless to me and may all things
eternal be ever cherished by me.
May any joy without You be burdensome for me and may I not desire any-
thing else besides You.
May all work, O Lord, delight me when done for Your sake and may all
repose not centered in You be ever wearisome for me.
Grant unto me, my God, that I may direct my heart to You and that in my
failures I may ever feel remorse for my sins and never lose the resolve to
change.
O Lord my God, make me submissive without protest, poor without discouragement,
chaste without regret, patient without complaint, humble without posturing,
cheerful without frivolity, mature without gloom, and quick-witted without
flippancy.
O Lord my God, let me fear You without losing hope, be truthful without guile,
do good works without presumption, rebuke my neighbor without haughtiness,
and - without hypocrisy - strengthen him by word and example.
Give to me, O Lord God, a watchful heart, which no capricious thought can lure
me away from You.
Give to me a noble heart, which no unworthy desire can debase.
Give to me a resolute heart, which no evil intention can divert.
Give to me a stalwart heart, which no tribulation can overcome.
Give to me a temperate heart, which no violent passion can enslave.
Give to me, O Lord my God, understanding of You, diligence in seeking You, wisdom
in finding You, discourse ever pleasing to You, perseverance in waiting for You,
and confidence in finally embracing You.
Grant that with Your hardships I may be burdened in reparation here, that Your
benefits I may use in gratitude upon the way, that in Your joys I may delight by
glorifying You in the Kingdom of Heaven.
You Who live and reign, God, world without end.
Amen
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