Bulle Saint Gertrude of Helfta (1256-1301)
Benedictine nun
Exercises IV, SC 127 (trans. Gertrud and Jack Lewis, ©Kalamazoo: Cistercian Publications, 1989, pp. 58, 59, 61, rev.)
Jesus, good Shepherd, defend me!
May your divine almightiness, wisdom and goodness, my God, my sweet love, bless me. And may it make me come after you with a ready will, truly deny myself and, with a most resolute heart, spirit and soul, follow you on the most perfect way. (…)
“Listen to me, I will teach you fear of the Lord.” (Ps 33[34]:12).
Ah Jesus, good Shepherd, make me hear and acknowledge your voice apart from everything that keeps me from you. Lift me up in your arms. Make me, your sheep newly delivered in your Spirit, rest against your breast. There teach me how I may fear you. There show me how I may cherish you. There instruct me how I may follow you. (…)
“He who dwells beneath the shelter of the Most High will abide under the protection of the God of heaven.” (Cf. Ps 90[91]:1)
Keeper of my soul and my refuge on the day of evil, in every temptation shade me with your shoulders of defense, enclose me with the shield of truth. May you yourself be with me in all my tribulation. You who are my hope, from every danger to body and soul, always defend and protect me. (…) Amen.