For we do not want you to be ignorant,
brothers/sisters,
about our affliction
which happened in Asia;
that we were burdened
excessively, beyond (our) strength
so that we despaired
even of life.
But we in ourselves,
have received the sentence of death
so that we might not rely on ourselves
but upon God
who raises the dead
who rescued us
from so great a death
and he will deliver (us)
in whom we have hoped
that he will yet deliver (us)
– you also helping us in prayer-
so that thanksgiving might be made for us
by many (faces)
for the gift
given to us through many.
Thank you, dear Jesus,
for all you have given me,
for all you have taken away from me,
for all you have left me.
Thomas More (c.1478-1535)