"More is required of us than to go, to come, and to give; our intentions should be pure and thoroughly devoid of self-interest." - St. Louise de Marillac - Lord, remove from me the desire to please others or have myself noticed because of what I do in your service....

"Nature demands that trees be deeply rooted before they can bear fruit and this is a gradual process." (CCD 5:219) - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, help me to realize that my spiritual growth is the work of a lifetime; I must be deeply rooted in you for my work to become...

"All ships are exposed to storms but are not thereby doomed to perish. May Our Lord be your Strength, your Protector, your Sanctifier." (CCD 6:473) - St. Vincent de Paul - Dear Father, be my ever present hope in the storm of life.

"Do we serve God in hope, looking to His promises, confiding in His love, seeking His kingdom, and leaving the rest to Him? Rejoice in hope, for Hope shall never be confounded." (CW 3a:332) - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - To live with Hope, means to live in a state of...

"As I myself am a great sinner, I cannot reject those who have sinned if they have good will." - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, you have told me that I must forgive my brothers and sisters, as you have forgiven me. Forgive the stubbornness and pride which sometimes comes...

"God bestows a special blessing on the counsel we take in matters pertaining to his service." - St. Vincent de Paul - When I need help, Lord, don't let my pride stand in the way of freely seeking the counsel I need.

"Instead of measuring your difficulties with your strength you must measure them with the powerful help you have a right to expect from God." (CW 3b:83) - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - Often I fail to realize that I am never alone to cope with my problems. I rely on your...

"We respond more to the prick of a rose than to its fragrance." (CCD 4:55) - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, how true it is that I pray to you more often in adversity than in good times. Give me a grateful heart to praise your goodness when all is well.

"Bitter thoughts come from the evil spirit; those from Our Lord are gentle and mild." (CCD 1:314) - St. Vincent de Paul - Lord, it is so easy to yield to anger and impatience when things are stressful. Calm my quick temper when things don't go my way. Keep me mindful...

"When God takes from us the power to labor, we should receive the trial courageously, letting it serve to elevate us above the things of earth and remembering that Our Lord, having permitted us to work for our neighbor, now wishes us to prepare for heaven." - St....