Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

Would that I might obtain this favour, Lord, to find Thee alone and by Thyself, to open unto Thee my whole heart, and enjoy Thee even as my soul desireth; and that henceforth none may look upon me, nor any creature move me, nor have regard to me; but that Thou Alone mayest Speak unto me, and I to Thee, as the beloved is wont to speak to his beloved, and friend to feast with friend. Ah, Lord God, when shall I be wholly united to Thee, and absorbed by Thee, and become altogether forgetful of myself? “Thou in me, and I in Thee;”so also grant that we may both continue together in one. O Unspeakable Grace! O Admirable Condescension! O Immeasurable Love specially bestowed on one such as me. What return shall I make to Thee, O Lord, for this grace, for charity so unparalleled? There is nothing else that I am able to present more acceptable than to offer my heart wholly to Thee, my God. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to remain with me, and I gladly with Thee.

Thomas à Kempis