“It is well to suffer patiently and await the hour of God in the most trying affairs.” (SW: 495)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Lord, is it so hard for me to “endure patiently” when what I have worked so hard to build is in danger of failing. At those times of crisis, let me take your hand in faith, believing you will see me through.

“Mortification in eating is the alphabet of a spiritual life; and they who do not know how to subdue their gluttony will find it no easy matter to triumph over other vices which are much more difficult to conquer.” – St. Vincent de Paul

– Father, I am ashamed to admit how often I show no restraint when it comes to wanting the best in food and drink. Teach me to discipline myself, taking only what I really need.

“Begin again today; what is lost must not cause dejection; what is gained will be lost if you do not begin afresh as if nothing had been done.” (CW 1:468)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– Heavenly Father, I am grateful for this new day. Nothing can bring back yesterday and tomorrow isn’t here yet. In spite of regret for my past failures, I will not let this keep me from making a new start. Give me the courage I need to do this.

“We should watch over the interests of others as well as do our own, and be careful to act on every occasion with uprightness and fidelity.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Today, I will be careful to treat others as I myself want to be treated. Be with me, Lord, when I am tempted to excuse my negligences to the detriment of others.

“May God be pleased to preserve you in perfect health and in that close union in which, by virtue of the Holy Spirit, you live together.”
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Lord, peace and harmony are truly heavenly virtues. Grant me these blessings for my family and always be present in its midst.

“I am asking Our Lord that He Himself lead you by the hand.” (CCD 1:594)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– As a parent gently leads a child on the right path, so you, Lord, lead me. I am grateful for the care you take of me and of those in my charge.

“As only a great necessity would make us decide to give remedies to a sick person in a violent attack of fever, so we should not generally reprove anyone at the very time they commit a fault.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Father, when I have been hurt, my first reaction is to retaliate. Teach me to forgive, even as you have forgiven me.

“Look up: the highest there were the lowest here and coveted most the poverty and humility which accompanied them and our Master every step of his suffering life.” (CW 2:156)
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

– When I tend to take a narrow view of my situation and am overly concerned about success, I will remember that your life, Lord, gave all the appearance of failure. Give me a greater appreciation for the value of the cross in my life.

“Why should your soul not be filled with confidence since, by the mercy of Our Lord, you are his beloved daughter/son?” (CCD 1:84)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Sometimes I fail to pray with the confidence of one who is beloved of God. Help me to claim my inheritance, Lord.

– April 24

“Do not expect great things from anyone who does not know how to entertain himself with God.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, you know my heart even when I fail to listen to you. Perhaps my lack of progress is because I am not as faithful to prayer as I should be. Teach me how to pray.