Discernment of a Maiden

PRAYER FOR YOUTH TO BEG THE DIVINE DIRECTION 
IN THE CHOICE OF A STATE OF LIFE. 

O ALMIGHTY God! Whose wise and amiable prov- 
idence watches over every human event, deign to 
be my light and my counsel in all my undertakings, 
particularly in the choice of a state of life. I know 
that on this important step my sanctification and 
salvation may in a great measure depend. I know 
that I am incapable of discerning what may be best 
for me; therefore I cast myself into Thy arms, beseech- 
ing Thee, my God, Who hast sent me into this world 
only to love and serve Thee, to direct by Thy grace 
every moment and action of my life to the glorious 
end of my creation. I renounce most sincerely every 
other wish, than to fulfill Thy designs on my soul, 
whatever they may be; and I beseech Thee to give me 
the grace, by imbibing the true spirit of a Christian, 
to qualify myself for any state of life to which Thy 
adorable providence may call me. O my God! when- 
ever it may become my duty to make a choice, do Thou 
be my light and my counsel, and mercifully deign to 
make the way known to me wherein I should walk, for 
I have lifted up my soul to Thee. Preserve me from 
listening to the suggestions of my own self-love, or 
worldly prudence, in prejudice to Thy holy inspirations. 
Thy good Spirit lead me into the right way, and 
Thy adorable providence place me, not where I may 
be happiest, according to the world, but in that state 
in which I Shall love and serve Thee most perfectly, 
and meet with most abundant means for working out 
my salvation. This is all that I ask and all that I 
desire; for what would it avail me to gain the whole 
world, if, in the end, I were to lose my soul and to be 
so unfortunate as to prefer temporal advantages and 
worldly honors to the enjoyment of Thy divine presence 
in a happy eternity? 

Most holy Virgin Mary, take me under thy protection. 

My good angel guardian and patron saints, pray 
for me. Amen.