Prayer before a Crucifix

Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus,
I cast myself upon my knees in thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul
I pray and beseech thee
that thou wouldst impress upon my heart
lively sentiments of faith, hope, and love,
with true contrition for my sins,
and a firm purpose of amendment;

while with deep affection and grief of soul
I consider within myself
and mentally contemplate thy five wounds,
having before mine eyes the words which David,
in prophecy, spoke concerning thee, O good Jesus:
'They have pierced my hands and my feet;
they have numbered all my bones.'