I know, O Lord, and do with all humility acknowledge myself
an object altogether unworthy of your love;
but sure I am, you are an object altogether worthy of mine.
I am not good enough to serve you,
but you have a right to the best service I can pay.
Do then impart to me some of that excellence,
and that shall supply my own want of worth.
Help me to cease from sin according to your will,
that I may be capable of doing you service according to my duty.
Enable me so to guard and govern myself,
so to begin and finish my course that,
when the race of life is run,
I may sleep in peace and rest in you.
Be with me to the end, that my sleep may be rest indeed,
my rest perfect security and that security a blessed eternity.
St. Augustine of Hippo, 354-430
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However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
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