Jesus, Master, Teach Me

Teach me, teach me, dearest Jesus,

In Thine own sweet, loving way,

All the lessons of perfection

I must practice day by day.

Teach me Meekness, dearest Jesus,

Of Thine Own the counterpart;

Not in words and actions only,

But the meekness of the heart.

Teach Humility, sweet Jesus,

To this poor, proud heart of mine,

Which yet wishes, O my Jesus,

To be modeled after Thine.

Teach me Fervour, dearest Jesus,

To comply with every grace,

So as never to look backwards,

Never slacken in the race.

Teach me Poverty, sweet Jesus,

That my heart may never cling,

To whate'er its love might sever,

From my Saviour, Spouse and King.

Teach me Chastity, dear Jesus,

That my every day may see

Something added to the likeness

That my soul should bear to Thee.

Teach Thy Heart, to me, dear Jesus,

Is my fervent, final prayer,

For all beauties and perfections

Are in full perfection there.

~ Fr. F.X. Lasance, The Catholic Girl's Guide, p. 362