My Thoughts 15/06/2022
In the early Summer of 1991, I had a great good fortune to participate in the Ignatius individually guided thirty-day retreat outside Boston. It made a significant and lasting impression on me.
One thing I remember clearly is the use of Saint Richard of Chichester prayer during the second week. I was invited to contemplate the life and mission of Jesus Christ, precisely, in terms of the desired grace of this Week (made popular by the musical Godspell): “that I may know you more clearly, love you more dearly, follow you more nearly” (Sp.Ex 104).
This prayer has been traced back to St Richard of Chichester (1197-1253AD). It is his feast day today. It is fascinating that Ignatius had access to this English prayer and incorporated it into the Spiritual Exercises.
Here is the prayer in full.
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
and follow thee more nearly, day by day.
Amen.