From my book A Calendar of Classic Prayer, words from the celebrated Augustine of Hippo, expressing the longing to know and serve God better.
Background
One of the most prolific early writers of prayers was St Augustine of Hippo (354–430). Raised as a Christian by his devout mother, it looked for a time as though his pagan father’s influence would win over, for the young Augustine turned away from his faith and for a time lived a dissolute life, details of which were later recounted in what is probably his most celebrated work, Confessions. Perhaps it was memories of these misspent years that inspired his longing to know and love God better. The following is but one example: a plea for help and guidance in life now, so that we may be the more ready for life to come.
Prayer
My God, let me know and love you,
so that I may find my happiness in you.
Since I cannot fully achieve this on earth,
help me to improve daily until I may do so to the full.
Enable me to know you ever more on earth,
so that I may know you perfectly in heaven.
Enable me to love you ever more on earth,
so that I may love you perfectly in heaven.
In that way my joy may be great on earth,
and perfect with you in heaven.
Amen.