Grant Me the Grace

I wrote this poem on retreat in 2021, inspired by Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s “First Principal and Foundation” and St. Richard of Chichester’s famous prayer

Grant me O Lord, this grace for my soul,

as I strive toward, life’s target and goal:

to know Christ more clearly, His thoughts words and deeds,

to love Him more dearly, His care my soul needs,

to follow Him more nearly, through service and prayer,

to shine His light cheerily, on all who despair,

to know and to love and to serve Jesus now,

gives purpose to everything: pen, lathe, or plow,

please grant me this grace my dear Father above,

Your Will I’ll embrace- even pain- with His love