Holy Mary, Mother of God,
preserve in me the heart of a child,
pure and transparent as a spring.
Obtain for me a simple heart
That does not brood over sorrows;
A heart generous in giving itself,
Quick to feel compassion;
A faithful, generous heart
that forgets no favor
and holds no grudge.
Give me a humble, gentle heart
Loving without asking any return;
A great indomitable heart
That no ingratitude can close,
No indifference can weary;
A heart tortured by its desire
for the glory of Jesus Christ:
Pierced by His love
With a wound that will heal
only in heaven.
By Leonce de Grandmaison
Further reading
Drawing on St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Jean C. J. d’Elbée reflects on confidence in God, humility, and love for others. These meditations accompany the desire for a simple, generous heart expressed in this prayer.