I know, O Lord,
and with all humility acknowledge myself
altogether unworthy of your love.
But I am sure you are altogether worthy of mine.
I am not good enough to serve you,
but you have a right to the best service I can pay.
Impart to me some of that excellence,
that will supply my own lack of worth.
Help me to cease from sin against your will,
that I may render you service according to my duty.
Enable me so to guard and govern myself,
to begin and finish my course,
that when the race of life is run,
I may sleep in peace and rest in you.
Be with me to the end,
that my sleep may be rest indeed,
my rest perfect security,
and that security, a blessed eternity. Amen.
Source: Augustine of Hippo
Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953
A Collection of Prayers 