them all to thy sacred Heart, and enclose them all therein; and I offer and set it forth before thee, in union with that love wherewith thou didst take it to thyself, a human heart, for the salvation of all the human race, and hast often given it as a token of thy special friendship to thy well-beloved friends; beseeching thee from its infinite treasures to take wherewith to bless those for whom I pray, or am bound to pray. Amen.
Thus our Lord taught St. Gertrude to pray. Then add an Our Father, and offer it thus:
O GOOD Jesus, I offer thee this prayer to thine everlasting praise,and that through it thou mayest shed forth thy benefits and blessings on those who are dear to thee and to me, according to the good pleasure of thy divine compassion. Amen.
In like manner St. Gertrude was accustomed to offer, with the approval of our Lord, a Miserere for all who were dear to her.
That you may know how useful it is to pray for others, hear what our Lord said to St. Gertrude on one occasion. Even as it cannot be that a man's feet should be pierced through, and his heart not feel a thrill of anguish and compassion, so it is impossible that my fatherly pity should not look with an eye of mercy on him who, although he feels himself bowed down beneath the burden of his own transgressions, and needs first of all for himself the healing balm of divine forgiveness, still prays unceasingly for the salvation of his neighbour.
