Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/18



St. Augustine  is  quoted  as  saying  that  "any  one  who knows  how  to  pray  rightly,  knows  how  to  live  rightly." Many opinions  could  be  cited  of  holy  and  learned  writers who attach  the  greatest  importance  to  mental  prayer,  and for some  persons  think  it  even  necessary  for  salvation.

— 1. Avoid  venial  sins  and  be exact  in  all  duties. 2. Practise  some  self-denial;  guard your eyes  and  tongue. 3. Have  a  habit  of  recollection and union  with  God. 4. Be  patient  and  kind.

— 1. Read  the  subject  attentively the evening  before,  and  fix  it  in  the  memory. 2. Picture in your  imagination  some  object  or  scene  connected  with the subject  of  meditation. 3. Take  a  respectful  and  not too easy  posture  in  meditating. We should  try  to  come to prayer  with  a  disengaged  mind  and  a  tranquil  heart.

Begin your  Mental  Prayer  by  realizing  the  presence  of God,  and  kiss  your  crucifix  devoutly. Preparatory Prayer: O my  God,  I  offer  myself  entirely  to  Thee,  and  beg  of Thee  to  direct  all  the  powers  of  my  soul  to  know,  honor, love, and  serve  Thee. Grant, dearest  Lord,  that  I  may practise the  virtue  taught  by  this  meditation. (Recall the picture  formed  in  imagination.)

Then carry  on  a  conversation,  as  it  were,  with  Almighty God,  while  you  exercise  your  memory,  under-