Chapter 19: Of the fasting, and the temptations, of the all-unconquered Jesus

I BLESS You, and give thanks to You, O Lord Jesus Christ, for the holy fast, which, in the loneliness of the desert, You did keep for forty days and forty nights, that You might be to us a model of holy abstinence. There, as a hermit, far from the abodes of men, You did dwell with the wild beasts, and yet had You Angels for Your companions; thus setting to all Religious a great example of detachment.

I praise and magnify You, O Lord Jesus Christ, Food of Angels, and Refreshment of men, for the many pangs of hunger, for the wondrous abstinence, for the stern chastisement of Your most sacred Body, for the many long watchings, for the holy prayers, and for the most pure meditations, which You did accomplish there in the wilderness.

I praise and magnify You for ever for Your mighty conflict with the devil; for the many attacks of that most wicked tempter; for Your scorning of all his evil suggestions; for the wise answers from Holy Writ, with which You did confound him; and for Your most glorious victory over the three cardinal sins — all which You did mercfully bring to pass for the perpetual confounding of Satan, and for the strengthening of our weakness. On meekly bended knees, I join the holy Angels, who, with the reverence which is Your due, then ministered to You, in praising and adoring You: and I beseech You that, so long as I live in the wilderness of this present world, You would give me daily bread, the help of Your grace, comfort in tribulation, firmness under temptation, and protection against all the snares of the enemy.

I believe and confess that You are Christ, the Son of God, very God, and Lord of Angels, Creator and Redeemer of the human race, in all points proved and tempted in the weakness of our flesh; that so You might be led to pity us; and having suffered, being tempted like as we are, might be able to cure us from the diseases of our sins.

O kind Jesus, You most dauntless champion, Who for my sake did fast so unflinchingly, and did so bravely fight and conquer, help me, I beseech You, to fight manfully against the world, the flesh and the devil, and to repel with steadfast heart every assault of the evil one! For my support and comfort in my exile, send to me, I beseech You, Your holy Angels, ministers of light and peace; may they often visit me, defend me faithfully, succour me powerfully, graciously comfort me, richly bless me; and, when this short life is ended, may they bring me safe and sound, in joy and bliss, to You, my only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen.