You will show me the path to life

Psalm 16. A Psalm of David.

I say to the Lord, you are my Lord, you are my only good.

Worthless are all the false gods of the land. Accursed are all who delight in them.

They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips.

LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you have made my destiny secure.

Pleasant places were measured out for me; fair to me indeed is my inheritance.

I bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my heart exhorts me.

I keep the LORD always before me; with the Lord at my right, I shall never be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure,

For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.

You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

Picture source.

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I hope people have enjoyed this site. Today ends the posts, since this was meant for one month of inspiration to more and deeper prayer.

If you want more simple, short encouragement, I like Emilie Griffin's Doors Into Prayer, the collection Nearer To The Heart of God (both by the absolutely excellent Paraclete Press) and of course, the Bible.

Peace, and see you next year!
I.C.

Fiery life

If we permit the love of God to replace our cares in the world, and if we give ourselves over to steady prayer and meditation, we will soon find our attitude and behavior changing. We will stop racing from one thing to another. We will rest in tranquility and peace.

A stable. spiritual life requires much prayer and devout singing of psalms. Evil is only conquered by continual prayer.

Prayer can become habitual. Whether praying or meditating, it is possible to focus our attention on God. In this kind of prayer we do not think of anything in particular. Our whole will is directed toward God. The Holy Spirit burns in our soul. God is at the very heart of our being. Our prayers are made with affection, and they become effective. If our prayers require words, we do not rush. We can offer every syllable as a prayer in itself. The love burning in us will give fiery life to our prayers.

Prayer of this kind is a delight.


--Richard Rolle, The Mending of Life
Picture source.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.




While we're in a Marian frame of mind...a video of the evangelical song "Mary, Did You Know," with clips from The Nativity Story and The Passion. Hat tip to The Deacon's Bench.

Click here to play.

Waiting until God is heard

As my prayer became more attentive and inward, I had less and less to say. I finally became completely silent… This is how it is. To pray does not mean to listen to oneself speaking. Prayer involves becoming silent, and being silent, and waiting until God is heard.

-- Søren Kierkegaard

Picture source.

To clasp the hands

To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.

~ Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Guideposts, 3/05