Those who were there with Benedict at the end of his life report that his last words were, « Jesus, ich liebe dich! » (Jesus, I love you! ) A few days ago I posted a quote from Benedict’s last public letter in which he wrote in anticipation of his death and of Christ as both his judge and his advocate. Benedict’s words there are well worth our prayerful reflection. This morning I invite you to begin your day praying with Benedict’s last words…
Lord Jesus, I love you
and I know you know that I love you
but I need to speak those words,
to pray those words, often,
lest I forget there’s nothing more important
at any moment in my life
than your love for me and mine for you…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
every morning when I wake…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
as I shape and plan my day…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when I’m tempted to be selfish…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when I cross paths with a stranger…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when my neighbor calls in need…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when it’s my turn to forgive…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when I’m straying from your path…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when dealing with injustice…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when I’m called to speak the truth…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when I’m struggling with temptation…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when counting all my blessings…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when my hope is running out…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
every time I stop to pray…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
when I don’t know what to pray…
Jesus, I love you!
So I need to pray
every morning, noon and night
that when I breathe my last
my heart and lips will whisper
the words I’ve always prayed,
Jesus, I love you!
Jesus, I love you!
Jesus, I love you!
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise
In the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You can have all this world
But give me Jesus
And when I am alone
Oh, and when I am alone
And when I am alone, give me Jesus
Oh, and when I am alone
And when I am alone, give me Jesus
And when I come to die
Oh, and when I come to die
And when I come to die, give me Jesus
Oh, and when I come to die
And when I come to die, give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
