"I have observed that any good resolutions or exercises begun at the recurring period of our birthday are more seriously impressed upon the mind, when we reflect that a birthday on earth more easily transfers our thoughts to the birthday of our future existence." -...

"What God asks of us in particular is to have great care to serve the poor, who are our Lords. Oh yes! They are our Masters." - St. Vincent de Paul - O God, teach me how to serve the poor with great tenderness and compassion, realizing I am indeed their servant and...

"God makes use of the humblest instruments, for the extraordinary operation of His grace." - St. Vincent de Paul - Loving Father, I believe you can do all things. Make me a worthy instrument of your grace so that the good you want done for others may be accomplished...

"God rejects the gifts of those who are wedded to their own will." - St. Louise de Marillac - Lord, teach me how to be open and listen to the advice and opinions of others. Above all, the humility to compromise or change when wisdom shows me a better course of...

"Make use of God's gifts quite simply; if you think you have done anything good, attribute the glory to God." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, forgive me for the times I seem to forget that all my gifts and abilities come from you and didn't originate from me! Teach me...

"The most excellent works are not those that have the most pomp, extent or renown, but rather those where you can most easily get at souls, and do them good." - St. Vincent de Paul - Sometimes the work I do seems endless and without noticeable results. At those times,...

"When we meet with things very pleasing, before yielding to the joy they elicit, let us raise our hearts to God and thank His loving mercy which sends us the consolation." - St. Louise de Marillac - Lord, it seems that I always call upon you with my needs, but seldom...

"If we are faithful in small things, God will entrust us with those that are greater." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, nothing done for you is small in your sight. I praise you for gifting me with talents to place in the service of others. Help me to use them wisely.

"We must ask God himself to perform our duty; then, if our strength fails, He will bear the burden." - St. Vincent de Paul - Sometimes the burdens I carry seem too heavy to bear. Help me to realize you never leave me to carry my crosses alone, Lord.

"I am satisfied to sow in tears if I may reap in Joy." - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Thank you, Lord, for the sorrows and pain in my life that help me to share more fully in your Passion, Death, and Resurrection.