What I Ought to Ask

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of You, 

You alone know what I need; 

You love me better than I know how to love myself. 

Father! Give to Your child that which he himself knows not how to ask. 

I dare not ask either for crosses or consolations; 

I simply present myself before You. 

I open my heart to You. 

Behold my need, which I know not myself; 

see and do according to Your tender mercy. 

Smile or heal, depress me, or raise me up; 

I adore all Your purposes without knowing them: 

I am silent; 

I offer myself in sacrifice; 

I yield myself to You, 

I would have no other desire than to accomplish Your will. 

Teach me to pray. Pray in me.

(a prayer by François Fénelon, updated with contemporary language)