Evening Prayer

Oh Lord, how many times have I gone to bed in hostility toward You? O God! What a wretched condition my soul found itself in! I was despised by You and, in turn, wished for Your disdain. I faced condemnation; nothing remained but the execution of that sentence. Yet, You, my God, have always sought me out and called me to receive forgiveness. Who, though, can assure me that I am truly absolved? Must I, dear Jesus, endure this doubt until Your final judgment? Yet, the sorrow I carry for having wronged You, my longing to love You, and even more so, Your Passion, dear Redeemer, lead me to believe that Your grace may still reside in my heart. I genuinely regret my offenses against You, O Supreme Good! and I cherish You above all else. I resolve to give up anything rather than lose Your grace and love. You wish that the heart which searches for You be filled with joy. "Let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice." Lord, I abhor all the wrongs I have done to You. Grant me strength and confidence; do not rebuke me for my ingratitude, for I acknowledge it and abhor it. You have proclaimed that You do not desire the death of a sinner but rather that they turn back and live. Yes, my God, I abandon all and turn back to You. Give me Your love; it is all I seek. O Mary! You, after Jesus, are my hope; please secure for me a spirit of holy perseverance.