An Act of Abandonment

Act of Abandonment

by Saint Jane Francis de Chantal

O sovereign goodness of the sovereign Providence of my God! I abandon myself forever to Your arms. Whether gentle or severe, lead me henceforth wherever You will; I will not regard the way through which You will have me pass, but keep my eyes fixed upon you, my God, who guides me. My soul finds no rest without the arms and the bosom of this heavenly Providence, my true Mother, my strength and my defense.

Therefore I resolve with Your divine assistance, O my Savior, to follow Your desires and Your laws, without regarding or examining why You do this rather than that; but I will blindly follow You according to Your divine will, without seeking my own inclinations.

Hence I am determined to leave all to You, taking no part therein save by keeping myself in peace in Your arms, desiring nothing except as You make me to desire, to will, to wish. I offer You this desire, O my God, beseeching You to bless it; I undertake all it includes, relying on Your goodness, liberality, and mercy, with entire confidence in You, distrust of myself, and knowledge of my infinite misery and infirmity.

Prayers, please, for the consolation of a friend of mine.