“The best ingredients of happiness are: order, peace and solitude.”
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– Sometimes I look for happiness in the wrong places, Lord. Today I will think of ways to provide time for the solitude I need to recharge my spiritual “batteries” and reflect on my priorities.

“We should assist the poor in every way and do it both by ourselves and by enlisting the help of others… to do this is to preach the gospel by word and by work.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, make my love for you be like a living flame which spreads itself to all in its path, its intensity transformed into loving care of your poor.

“I think God gives you enough courage to make good use of all the slanders; provided he be not offended, what do you care?”
– St. Louise de Marillac

– It is painful to know someone hates or dislikes me. At those times, Lord, make me strong enough to forgive unconditionally as you would have me do.

“Picture to yourself that there are millions of souls with outstretched arms calling you!”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– The needs of the poor are so vast; it overwhelms me to think of who needs help the most. Instead of dwelling on what I am unable to do, Lord, inspire me with an awareness of the needs of those I meet today and what I can do to make a difference in their lives.

“I see that faith is a gift of God to be diligently sought and earnestly desired, and groan to him for it in silence, since our Savior says I cannot come to him unless the Father draws me.”
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– When my daily agenda is too full and a multitude of noisy distractions surround me, it is hard to hear your invitation to come apart and rest in you. Be with me as I once more reorder my priorities. Without you, nothing else matters.

“God always blesses humble beginnings more than those that make a big stir!”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Forgive me, Father, for the times I’ve made a big show of things, forgetting that the good I do needs only to be seen by you.

“To give of one’s means is nothing if one does not give oneself, and employ every moment of one’s life, and even expose it to danger for the love of God, in serving the poor.”
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Lord, you have been so generous to me. Show me how to serve without counting the cost.

“It is an obligation for us to inconvenience ourselves for the service of the poor.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Sometimes the poor can be very demanding and want their needs met at the most inconvenient times. When these situations arise, remind me, Lord, that I am their servant.

“How can we live an interior life until some of our natural rubbish is removed?”
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– Lord, I want to be whole. Heal whatever in me is broken. In spite of the pain I sometimes feel in my life, I appreciate the freedom you give me to experience it and still place all my trust in you.

“The more you give to our Lord, the more blessings you will receive. His yoke is sweet to him who embraces it willingly.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Today, Lord, in thanksgiving for your many blessings, I will find a little time to spend with a lonely or forgotten person.