"The poor cannot be judged by their outward appearance, not by their show of wit, for very often they do not look nor seem like intelligent beings, so rough, and homely are they." - St. Vincent de Paul - O God, teach me to look beyond external appearances and find you...

"Seek God in all things. In all your actions submit your motives to this unerring test: will this be approved by his all-seeing eye?" - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Even when I think my motives are the purest, I can still find a lot of self gratification in things I do....

"God does not ask you to go beyond the means he has given you." - St. Vincent de Paul - O God, assist me today to use well the resources you give me for service to your poor ones.

"If we wish to give satisfaction to our good God, we must not stop to consider what we would like to do, but rather what he wishes us to do. Our Lord will know where to find you when he intends to give you other work to do." - St. Louise de Marillac - Lord, why is it...

"Our Lord will counsel you what to do." - St. Vincent de Paul - Where would I be, Lord, without your presence within me? You are always there, ready to counsel and guide me. All I have to do is ask!

"Our love of God is always opposed by our self-love, our love of one another by the miserable pride and pretension which creates jealousy, rash judgment and the pitiful dislikes and impatience which so often trouble us and wound charity." - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton -...

"While we dilly-dally with our plans, God raises up others to do what he had first asked of us." - St. Vincent de Paul - Sometimes, Lord, I am so prone to procrastinate, especially over unpleasant issues. Give me the courage to act today in one of those matters in my...

"Have patience, and have it in Our Lord who is pleased to try you." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, when I am tempted to be impatient with others or myself, fill me with the gentleness and compassion you always showed to those in need.

"How good it is to trust God! Turn to him often, then, as children look to their father and mother in their needs." - St. Louise de Marillac - In your sight, Lord, no situation or need of my life is trivial. Help me to remember I am never alone.

"Whatever may happen, you must not fret but rise above it and remain in peace. No harm can befall you if God does not will it; and if he permits it, it will be for a good end since, to those who serve Him, all things turn out for the best." - St. Vincent de Paul -...