Chapter 4.1 d That prayer is a gift of God - the Holy Ghost as teacher

 Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis de Ponte SJ

Since this twofold incapacity [viz. infirmity and ignorance] under which we labour thus moves the Holy Ghost to take upon Himself the office of internal teacher; it is extremely useful to begin our prayer with a humble confession of our infirmity and ignorance, using them as claims and titles why He should help us to pray, saying to Him: 

            Most Holy Spirit!

             I confess myself to be very weak and ignorant

            I know not how to pray as I ought, nor have I the power to do it.

            Assist me therefore in this hour, 

            Teach me how to pray,

            Arouse me to supplication,

            Inspire me with what I ought to do; 

            Inflame my affections,

            Draw forth those yearnings which Thou alone can communicate.