O Lord, all my hope is based on Your great mercy. Give me what you command, and command what You will.
You command that we be continent. Someone has said that no one can be continent unless God grants it, but it is true wisdom to know from whom this gift comes.
Continence brings us recollection and the restoration of that unity we have lost in giving ourselves to too many things. He loves You less who loves, together with You, anything which he does not love for You.
O love, ever burning and never extinguished, O charity, O my God, inflame me!
You command me to be continent; give me what You command and command what You will.
-- St Augustine
St Augustine's Prayer for Purity
