“We must strive to soften our hearts and make them sensitive to the suffering and worries of the neighbor.” (CCD 12:221)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, create in me a sensitive heart, always open to those who need a listening ear or a helping hand.

“While I warn you of your faults, my own come before my eyes!”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Whenever I must correct anyone, Lord, keep before me my own faults and let me do it in the same way I myself would like to be treated.

“Let us leave to God our justification.” (SW:650)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– When I am unjustly criticized, instead of becoming defensive about it, I will leave the justification to you, Lord.

“God is very good to tolerate me!” (CCD 1:34)
– St. Louise, writing to St. Vincent de Paul

– How long will it take, Lord, for me to realize that your love for me is unconditional! I am grateful for your presence within me.

“Beg God to grant us a genuine spirit of mercy which is the spiritual characteristic of God.” (CCD 11:308)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, when I am tempted to be stubborn and unrelenting, remind me of the times you showed boundless mercy in forgiving my sins. Help me to imitate your example.

“We must go to God straight as an arrow.” (CCD 11:43)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, it has been said that a prayer to you pierces the heavens. All the aspects of my life, no matter how small or insignificant, are a concern to you. How grateful I am for all of this love.

“Try to serve Jesus and make resolutions to do your best. Try, when you think anything will make you angry, to reflect: Is this preparing me to receive my Jesus?” (CW 2:741)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– When I am tempted to speak in anger, Lord inspire me to think of the consequences because breaking with charity is no small thing. If I should fail to do this, let me be the first to ask forgiveness.

“Let us depend entirely on God, full of confidence that no matter what men may do or say, all will turn to our good. Yes, should the whole world unite for our destruction, nothing can happen to us but by the permission of God, in whom we have placed our whole trust.” (CCD 4:387)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, it is being brought home to me that even when my best intentions and motives are criticized, I must be open to accept whatever truth there may be in those words and then trust the rest to you.

“Kindness is the key to hearts.” (CCD 9:207)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Oh God, be present in all the relationships and interactions of my day. Above all, help me to be gentle in dealing with others.

“We should strive to model our actions on those of the Blessed Virgin, for the greatest honor we can offer her is to imitate her virtues.” (SW:785)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Blessed Mother, I rededicate myself to you today, asking that you keep me from all harm. Obtain all the graces I need to lead a holy life totally committed to Jesus your son.