Prayer Before a Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus,
while before Thy face I humbly kneel and,
with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to
fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of
faith, hope and charity; true contrition for
my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment,
while I contemplate, with great love and tender
pity, Thy five most precious wounds,
pondering over them within me and calling
to mind the words which David, Thy
prophet, said to Thee, my Jesus:
"They have pierced My hands and My feet,
they have numbered all My bones." (Psalm 21:17-18)