Saturday, March 22, 2014

A Morning Exercise


Today I re-read the following advice from one of my favorite saints.  It is so practical, so concise, that I might just print it out and tape it to my mirror.  And to the bedroom door.  And to the window.  And to the computer screen (in case I forget to look everywhere else).

In his "Spiritual Directory," St. Francis de Sales proposes a simple morning exercise.  He counsels us to keep this prayer "brief and fervent..."

A.  Think.  Thank God and adore Him...

B.  Consider:  The gift of the present day is a preparation for eternity.  Make a firm resolution to use the day well for this intention.

C.  Look Ahead:  Foresee opportunities in which to serve God.  Anticipate whatever temptations might occur.  Prepare yourself by a good resolution to avoid carefully whatever might be against God's glory and your salvation.  Then consider how you plan to carry out this resolution. 

D.  Humble Yourself:  Acknowledge your dependence upon God.  Hold your heart in your hands and offer it to His love, together with your good intentions.  Ask His protection, His strength, that you be successful in His service.  (from In the Midst of the World by Sister Joanna Marie Wenzel VHM, Visitation Sisters, Brooklyn NY) 

St. Francis de Sales, ora pro nobis!

Painting:  Moritz von Schwind, Early Morning

12 comments:

  1. Oh this is so good. Thank you, Nancy for sharing! I love the image too. The bed looks so comfy and cosy. The browns and greens in the painting are very attractive. So restful.

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    1. Thank you, Sue. I loved having the opportunity to share this!

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  2. Wow! So simple yet so very, very powerful. Makes this saint stuff seem more attainable when you look at it in such simple forms. Thanks for sharing! I think that I would greatly benefit having those items taped all over my house!

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    1. Patty, I think I could paper my walls with reminders to pray (I almost have, at times). Now THERE'S an idea for a line of wallpaper designs!!

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  3. I love practical advice like this, Nancy - thank you! (Probably I should say I'm the type who NEEDS practical advice!)

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  4. I love "C" Look Ahead. I can look ahead right now to 2:00pm, when I'm tired, I'm realizing that my day has not been as productive as I would like, and I want to despair. That's a temptation for sure! Now, how to overcome it....

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    1. 2 pm! Oh my, does that bring back memories. That was the usual beginning of my own draggiest time of day when my children were growing up. I'd be hitting the "where has this day gone?" realization just when it was time to think of driving kids from school(s), preparing dinner, and all of those et ceteras. Now the kids are grown and I still get the "tireds" around..... right this minute! (2:30 as I write this). May God give us grace to overcome. Thanks, Jamie!

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  5. Great post Nancy. I found you through the Catholic Bloggers page over on Facebook. I look forward to seeing more of your posts.

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