Prayer before a Crucifix

BEHOLD, O good and sweetest Jesus, 
I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight,
and with the most fervent desire of my soul 
I pray and beseech Thee 
to impress upon my heart 
lively sentiments of faith, 
hope and charity, 
with true repentance for my sins 
and a most firm desire of amendment: 
whilst with deep affection and grief of soul 
I consider within myself 
and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds,
having before mine eyes that which David, the prophet, 
long ago spoke in Thine own person concerning Thee, 
my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and My feet, 
they have numbered all My bones.” Amen