3 Motivations for Prayer- a new Video!
As we prepare for the next several years of celebrating St. Francis de Sales’ life: 2017 -his 450th anniversary of birth; 2022 his 400th anniversary of death, we’d like to reflect on our Founders insights into prayer.
This newly produced video may help you grow in your own prayer life with the wisdom garnered from this Doctor of the Church!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hig2H2765qI&feature=youtu.be
You aim at a devout life, dear child, because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God’s Divine Majesty. We will consider three motivations.
1. The Example of the Saints
CONSIDER the example of the Saints, and what they have done in order to love God and lead a devout life. Call to mind the martyrs in their invincible firmness, and the tortures they endured to maintain their resolutions.
Remember what St. Augustine said of his mother Monica, of her determination to serve God in her married life and in her widowhood … and of St. Jerome and his beloved daughter St. Paula. What may we not achieve with such examples before our eyes?
2. The Love of Jesus Christ for Us
CONSIDER the Love with which our Dear Lord Jesus Christ bore so much in this world, especially in the Garden of Olives and on Mount Calvary … it was that Love which bore you in mind, and through all those pains and toils He obtained your good resolutions for you, as also all that is needful to maintain, foster, strengthen and carry through those resolutions.
Surely we ought to remember this, and ask fervently: Is it possible that I was loved, and loved so tenderly by my Saviour, that He should have thought of me individually, and in all these details by which He has drawn me to Himself?
3. The Eternal Love of God for Us
CONSIDER the Eternal Love God has borne you, in that, even before our Lord Jesus Christ became Man and suffered on the Cross for you, His Divine Majesty designed your existence and loved you. He always loved you from eternity, and therefore He made ready all the graces and gifts with which He has endowed you.