sincere repentance; for the dying, a happy death; for the souls of our deceased relatives, deliverance from the flames of purgatory; and for us all, pardon and abundant mercy. Amen.
Prayer for a Good Death.
My Lord Jesus Christ, by that bitterness which Thou didst endure on the cross when Thy blessed soul was separated from Thy most sacred body, have pity on my sinful soul when it leaves my miserable body to enter into eternity.
O Mary! by that grief which thou didst experience Calvary in seeing Jesus expire on the cross before thine eyes, obtain for me a good death, that, loving Jesus and thee, my Mother, in this life, I may attain heaven, where I shall love thee for all eternity.
Prayer Before Going to Bed.
I thank Thee, O my God! for having preserved my life during this day; I beg of Thee to preserve it during this night, and to keep me from all sin. I take this repose in order to fulfil Thy will, and I hereby form the intention of loving, praising, and thanking Thee, as the angels and saints do in heaven, with every breath I take.
Mary, my Mother! bless me and cover me with the mantle of thy protection. My guardian angel, my holy patrons, intercede for me; all ye saints of paradise, pray for me.
Three Hail Marys, as at p. 56.
Then lie down to rest. In undressing observe the rules of modesty. Sprinkle your bed with holy water. Before composing yourself to sleep, say: Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Say this prayer with the intention of offering every breath as an act of love to God.
