This prayer helps us to put ourselves at God’s disposal. St Ignatius describes this ‘Preparatory prayer’ as asking for the grace that all my intentions, actions and operations may be directed purely to the praise and service of the Divine Majesty. (The Spiritual Exercises, no. 46) You might try these words:

Lord, I so wish to prepare well for this time. I so want to make all of me ready and attentive and available to you. Please help me to clarify and purify my intentions. I have so many contradictory desires. I get preoccupied with things that don’t really matter or last. I know that if I give you my heart, whatever I do will follow my new heart.

In all that I am today, all that I try to do, all my encounters, reflections – even the frustrations and failings and especially in this time of prayer, in all of this may I place my life in your hands. Lord, I am yours. Make of me what you will. Amen.

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