teach me to pray

Lord , i know not what i ought to ask of Thee ; Thou only knowest what i need ; Thou lovest me better than i know how to love myself . o Father ! give to Thy child that which he himself knows not how to ask . i dare not ask either for crosses or consolations ; i simply present myself before Thee , i open my heart to Thee . behold my needs which I know not myself ; see and do according to Thy tender mercy . smite , or heal ; depress me , or raise me up ; i adore all Thy purposes without knowing them ; i am silent ; i offer myself in sacrifice ; i yield myself to Thee ; i would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will . teach me to pray . pray Thyself in me .

 by Francois de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon