"Evenness of temper is a particular virtue, a state which supposes an aggregate of all the virtues, an external manifestation of the peace and beauty of the interior." - St. Vincent de Paul - How many occasions for petty aggravation come up during the course of my...

"...Our vocation is to set the hearts of men on fire, to do what the Son of God did, who came to set the world on fire..." - St. Vincent de Paul - Inspire me with enthusiasm for your work, Lord, that others may be drawn closer to You by my example.

"The virtue of gratitude will prepare our hearts to receive the graces we need to serve the sick and poor with meekness and compassion." - St. Louise de Marillac - Lord, I am humbled by the many ways you continually bless me and the great privilege I have of serving...

"No matter what others say or do, even if the wicked succeed, do not be troubled: commit everything to God and put your trust in him." - St. Vincent de Paul - If I place my trust in you, Lord, I will not be concerned about what others think or do.

"You know how unwilling we are to deny ourselves, how unwilling to be reproved and contradicted, how a trifling thing will make us sad, how we delight to be commended while, with a sort of natural cruelty we see blame and faults in others which we are scarcely willing...

"O sir, what a faithful image of Our Lord is participation in the meekness and humility of his heart! How it portrays his manner of acting, especially when firmness accompanies it." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, in imitation of you, teach me how to be firm, yet gentle...

"We must receive with respect whatever God presents to us, and then examine the situation with its circumstances in order to do what is most expedient." - St. Vincent de Paul - In resolving situations in my work, Lord, nothing can be accomplished without objectivity...

"Let us patiently bear the contradictions and repugnances we encounter in the discharge of duty, since our actions are thereby rendered more agreeable to God." - St. Louise de Marillac - Teach me, Lord, the discipline of patience, which I find harder than work. Maybe...

"Today's efforts will make tomorrow's easier." - St. Vincent de Paul - How easy it is for me to put off what is difficult and waste time on non-essentials. Lord, teach me to discipline myself and keep my priorities straight, that your work may be accomplished through...

"What can shut us out from the love of Him, who will ever dwell within us through love?" - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Heavenly Father, soften my heart when anger closes me off from those who have upset me. Help me to overlook and forget these incidents just as you are...