A Soul's Prayer Poem by Dr John Celes

Enflame my heart with love divine, O God;
Enkindle it with fountains of your grace;
Pour forth your wisdom in some way, O Lord;
Give me the heav'nly gaze and sheen of face!

This earthly life is good but bad as well;
It's ephemeral nature's clearly felt;
At times, the place becomes almost like hell;
My virtues, will-pow'r, faith and hope all melt!

Look down with favour Lord, upon this soul!
It writhes in pain and shame of sins galore;
Without your help, it can't improve its role;
Shower your grace and mercy ever more!

The crafty Tempter's always on the prowl;
I cannot keep alert all through my life;
My soul with sin soon brims, o'erflows its bowl;
My faith and hope seems lost in newer strife!

Hearken O Lord, to my pleas, cry, I pray!
Forsake me not for moment's time even;
My tongue turns dry by praying night and day;
I yearn to always keep on road to heav'n!