sinners act. They reflect not upon the mighty hunter, Death, and refuse to think of him; but this does not prevent him from coming, and his cruel arrow fails not to reach its mark. How terrible a thing it is thus to trifle with death!
6. Wherefore, raise your heart to God, raise it frequently to him, every morning and evening at least! Raise your heart to God in the morning, by making a firm resolution to avoid this or that besetting sin and to overcome your predominant passion. Raise it to God in the evening, by repenting of your sins, by meditating on death, judgment, heaven and hell, and by resolving to lead a more holy, a more virtuous life. Pray every night for the grace of perseverance.
Lord, Thou hast made this wondrous soul
All for Thyself alone;
Ah, send Thy sweet transforming grace
To make it more Thine own!
Mental Prayer
In my meditation a fire shall flame out (Ps. xxxviii. 4).
I.MAKE at least a short meditation every day. Menial prayer is a more appropriate and comprehensive term for that spiritual exercise which is so highly praised and commended by the saints and so conducive to holiness and perfection.
Mental prayer is within the reach of all who earnestly desire their salvation. In order to pray with fruit and without distraction it is most useful and almost necessary to spend some time
