Fervour. J H Newman
Give to us, O Lord, that life suited to our own needs, which is stored up for us all in Him who is the life of humanity.
Teach us and enable us to live the life of saints and angels.
Take us out of the languor, the irritability, the sensitiveness, the incapability, the anarchy in which our souls lie, and fill them with Your fullness.
Breathe on us, that the dead bones may live.
Breathe on us, with that breath which infuses energy and kindles fervour.
In asking for faithfulness, we ask for all that we can need and all that You can give: for it is the crown of all gifts and all virtues.
In asking for faithfulness we are asking for effectual strength, consistency and perseverance: we are asking for deadness to human motives and simplicity of intention to please You: we are asking for faith, hope and charity in their most heavenly exercise.
In asking for fervour we are asking for the gift of prayer, because it will be so sweet: we are asking for that loyal perception of duty which follows on yearning affection.
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We are asking for sanctity, peace and joy, all at once.
In asking for fervour, we are asking for that which, while it implies all gifts, is that in which all signally fail.
Nothing would be a trouble to us, nothing a difficulty, had we but fervour of soul.
Lord, in asking for fervour we are asking for Yourself: for nothing short of You, O God, who has given Yourself wholly to us.
Enter our hearts substantially and personally and fill them with fervour by filling them with You.
You alone can fill our souls, and You have promised to do so.
Enter into us and set us on fire, after Your pattern and likeness.
Silence & Contemplation 