I am Yours, for You I was born,
what do You command me to do?
Sovereign Majesty,
eternal wisdom,
abundant goodness for my soul;
God of the Heights, Being, Goodness,
behold how great the wretchedness
today confesses love to You through song:
what do You command me to do?
I am Yours, because You created me,
Yours, because You redeemed me,
Yours, because You condescended to me,
Yours, because You called me,
Yours, because You waited for me,
Yours, because I have not been condemned:
what do You command me to do?
Behold, here is my heart,
I place it in Your hand,
my body, my life and soul,
my inner being and affection;
sweet Spouse and Redeemer,
since I have offered myself to You as Yours:
what do You command me to do?
Give me death, give me life:
give me health or sickness,
honor or humiliation give me,
give me war or abundant peace,
weakness or flawless strength,
to all of this I agree:
what do You command me to do?
I am Yours, for You I was born,
what do You command me to do?
(St. Teresa of Jesus, excerpt from the poem "I Am Yours")
