When pride would raise me high above my place,
And blind my eyes to truth and grace,
Lady of the Steps, keep me from the fall,
And teach me humble love for all.
When anger kindles in my breast,
And robs my troubled heart of rest,
Lady of the Steps, my spirit calm,
And teach me charity’s healing balm.
When fear would cloud the road I tread,
With anxious thoughts and nameless dread,
Lady of the Steps, stay close to me,
And teach the hope that sets me free.
When burdens seem too great to bear,
And sorrow darkens work and prayer,
Lady of the Steps, my courage raise,
And teach me perseverance all my days.
When I would choose my way alone,
And claim as mine what is not my own,
Lady of the Steps, my guide and stay,
Teach me wisdom’s gentler way.
At every step, through joy and strife,
Guide thou my feet through mortal life;
When shadows lengthen, be thou near,
With consolation stronger than fear.
And when at last the climb is done,
And I stand before thy Son,
Lead me from all that passes away
To that eternal, perfect day.
Then shall each trial, grief, and loss
Be gathered beneath Christ’s Cross;
And step by step, His mercy prove
The upward road of truth and love.
Lady of the Steps, pray for me,
That faithful to the end I be;
And, having climbed by grace alone,
May I behold God face to face upon His throne.
℣. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Amen.
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Images:
Featured Image:
Madonna della Scala, Michelangelo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
