Catholic prayer for generosity

Often called the "Prayer of St. Ignatius," it was not actually written by the saint.

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Many Catholics are familiar with a prayer more commonly known as the “Prayer of St. Ignatius.” It is on the back of prayer cards and is often memorized. Yet this prayer for generosity was not written by him at all.

Jesuit priest Fr. Jack Mahoney details the history of this prayer on the website Thinking Faith. It dates back only to the late 19th century and is not found in any of St. Ignatius’ writings.

At the same time, the prayer is certainly in the “spirit” of St. Ignatius and is one of the most popular Catholic prayers around.

Here you can find this prayer for generosity, asking God to give you a more generous heart.

Lord, teach me to be generous,
to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to look for any reward,
save that of knowing that I do your holy will.