Daily
Prayer of Abandonment (Charles de Foucauld)
This prayer is drawn from a meditation written by Saint Charles de Foucauld around 1896 on the words of Jesus from the Cross, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). The familiar form was shaped from that longer meditation and became closely associated with the spiritual family inspired by him. Catholics pray it as an act of trust in divine Providence and of willing surrender to the Father’s will. It is especially fitting in morning prayer, during uncertainty or suffering, before an important decision, and at the close of the day.
Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.
When to pray it: Pray it each morning or whenever you need to surrender your plans, suffering, or uncertainty to the Father’s will.
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