O God of All Consolation

Prayer for the attainment of heaven (Aquinas is said to have prayed this prayer in intimate contemplation of God.)

O God of all consolation, you who see in us nothing but your own gifts, I entreat you to give me, at the close of this life, knowledge of the First Truth, and enjoyment of your divine majesty.

Most generous Rewarder, give to my body also the beauty of lightsomeness, responsiveness of flesh to spirit, a quick readiness and delicacy, and the gift of unconquerable strength.

And add to these

an overflow of riches, a spate of delights, a confluence of all good things,

so that I may rejoice

in your consolation above me, in a place of loveliness below me, in the glorification of body and soul within me, in the delight of friends and angels all around me.

Most merciful Father, being with you may my mind attain the enlightenment of wisdom, my desire, the fulfillment of its longing, my courage the praise of triumph.

For where you are is avoidance of all danger, plenitude of dwelling places, harmony of wills.

Where you are is the pleasantness of spring, the radiance of summer, the fecundity of autumn, and the repose of winter.

Give, Lord God,

life without death, joy without sorrow,

that place where reigns

sovereign freedom, free security, secure tranquility,

delightful happiness, happy eternity, eternal blessedness,

the vision of truth and praise, O God.

Amen.