Preparation
Place yourself in the presence of God.
Ask him to inspire you.
Reflections
Think of the bodily gifts which God has given you: your body, the many conveniences for its care, your health, all the lawful comforts, your friends, so much that is helpful. While considering all these, compare yourself to so many other persons who are more deserving than you but who have not been given these blessings: some have defective bodies or lack of health or limbs, other are subject to rebuke, disrespect and dishonour, still others are weighed down with poverty. But God has not allowed that you should suffer such miseries.
Think of your gifts of the mind. Many people in this world are stupid, insane and foolish. But you are not one of these. God has show you favour. Many others have grown up without manner and in complete ignorance. By God’s providence you have been given a good education.
Think of your spiritual gifts. Philothea, you are a child of the Church. From the days of your youth God has taught you about himself. How often has he given you his Sacraments? How many times inspirations, interior lights, and warnings to correct you? How often has he forgiven you your sins? How many times has he saved you when you were exposed to spiritual ruin? Have not these past years been time and opportunity for you to grow in goodness? Consider for a short while, in detail, how gentle and loving God has been to you.
Give vent to Good Movements of the Will and make Deliberate Decisions[1]
Admire God’s goodness: How good is my God to me. He is good indeed. Lord, your heart is rich in mercy and full of loving-kindness (Ps.86:5). I will proclaim forever his numerous graces to me.
Wonder at your ingratitude: What am I, Lord, that you are mindful of me? (Ps. 8:4). I am most unworthy indeed. Alas, I have trodden underfoot your blessings. I have dishonoured your gifts, turning them into insult and contempt of your sovereign goodness. I have opposed the abyss of my ingratitude to the abyss of your grace and goodness.
Stir yourself up to gratitude: My heart, be no more unfaithful, ungrateful and disloyal to this great Benefactor. Shall not my soul henceforth, be subject to God (Ps. 62:1) who has worked so many wonders and graces in me and for me?
Philothea, hold back your body from such and such sensual pleasures and make it subject to the service of God who has done so much for it. Make use of your spirit to know and acknowledge him by such and such exercises necessary for this purpose. Use carefully the means the Church offers to save yourself and to love God.
Yes I will pray regularly and receive Sacraments frequently. I will listen to the word of God and put into practice his inspirations and counsels.
Conclusion
Thank God for the knowledge he has now given you of your duty, and for all the blessings received till now.
Offer him your heart with all your resolutions.
Pray to him for strength to practise them faithfully through the merits of his Son’s death. Pray to our Lady and the Saints to intercede for you.
Our Father. Hail Mary
Make a little spiritual bouquet.
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[1] As in Second Part Chapter 6