Principle and Foundation

I am created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord,

and by this means to save my soul.

The other things on the face of the earth are created for us, 

to us in our pursuit of the end for which we are created. 

From this, Lord, let me use these things 

to the extent that they help me toward the end
of praising, loving, and serving you.
And free me from them to the extent 

that they hinder me from that purpose. 

Make me indifferent to all created things, 

in regard to everything which is left to my free will and is not forbidden. 

Spirit, help me not to seek health rather than sickness, 

wealth rather than poverty, honor rather than dishonor, 

a long life rather than a short one, and so in all other matters. 

Rather, grant that I desire and choose only that 

which is more conducive to the end for which I am created.