Book 1. Meditation, Prayer, and the Particular Examen, 7/30

CONDITIONS OF PRAYER

The most necessary conditions of prayer, are humility, confidence, and perseverance. -St. Liguori.

He~ hath regard to the prayer of the humble. -Ps. ci. 18.

God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. -St. James iv. 6.

The prayer of him that humbleth himself shall pierce the clouds; . . . and he will not depart till the Most High behold.-Ecclus. xxxv. 21.

A contrite and humble heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.-Ps. I. 19.

Thou Who savest them that trust in Thee.-Ibid. xvi. 7.

Because he hath hoped in Me,...I will deliver him and I will glorify him.-Ibid. xc. 14, 15.

But they that hope in the Lord, shall renew their strength.-Isaias xl. 31.

No one hath hoped in the Lord, and hath been confounded.-Ecclus. ii. 11.

They that trust in the Lord, shall be as Mount Sion.-Ps. cxxiv. 1.

Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in Thee.-Ps. xxxii. 22.

He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which is moved and carried about by the wind. Therefore, let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.-St. James i. 6, 7.

Go; and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee.-Matt. viii. 13.

All things whatsoever you ask, when ye pray, believe that you shall receive; and they shall come unto you.­-Mark xi. 24.

God protects and saves all who confide in Him.-St. Liguori.

They that hope in the Lord shall lay aside their weakness, and put on the strength of God; they shall not faint, nor even be fatigued, in treading the rugged ways of salvation.-Ibid.

Thou, O Lord, dost not pour the oil of mercy, unless into vessels of confi­dence.-St. Bernard.

The prayer of the just man is the key of heaven; his petition ascends, and God's mercy descends.-St. Augustine.

Trusting in the divine prom­ises, let us ever pray with confidence, not wavering, but strong and firm.-St. Liguori.

To obtain final perseverance, we must continue to pray to the end of our lives. If, by our negligence, we break the chain of our prayers, the chain of graces, on which our salvation depends, will also be broken.-Ibid.

Oh, how the con­stant application to God by prayer, and the confident expectation of receiving from Him the graces we stand in need of, enkindle in us the fire of divine love, ann unite us. to the divinity!-Ibid.

We must continue to pray until we receive the sentence of eternal salvation.-Ibid.

All our petitions should be made through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask in the name of Jesus Christ, through His merits, and in virtue oJ His divine promises.

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From "Prayer-Book for Religious"
by Rev. F.X. Lasance
Copyright 1904, 1914

Prayers & Reflections for May 11

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER FOR WORLD WAR II

Our Father who art in heaven: Give us, we pray Thee, the courage and the strength to stamp out the threat of paganism and slavery that hangs over the world today.

Be merciful to all who have died in the service of our country. Console those who have lost their loved ones in the struggle.

Help our fighting men to be always clean of heart and therefore unafraid. Soothe the wounded in battle. Sustain the courage of those who suffer persecution for conscience' sake.

Have pity on all who have been insulted, robbed, tortured, defiled, enslaved by their conquerors. Grant wisdom to our leaders, civil and military, that they may most effectively direct our efforts, at home and abroad.

Teach us all to walk humbly with Thee, so that we may be worthy to conquer, and having conquered, may build a peace with justice, based on the Brotherhood of Man, under the Fatherhood of God.


[Continued tomorrow]
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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 10

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER FOR PEACE

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who in Thy mercy hearest the prayers of sinners, pour forth, we beseech Thee, all grace and blessing upon our country and its citizens.

We pray in particular for the President - for our Congress - for all our soldiers - for all who defend us in ships, whether on the seas or in the skies - for all who are suffering the hardships of war.

We pray for all who are in peril or ih danger. Bring us all after the troubles of this life into the haven of peace, and reunite us all together for ever, O dear Lord, in Thy glorious heavenly kingdom.


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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 9

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

NIGHT PRAYER

Before I go to sleep I want to thank Thee for keeping me safe during this day. What a good Father Thou art to me; I only ask that I may truly be Thy son! Give my body, please, the repose that is necessary, but, even more, may my soul have the assurance that it is at peace with Thee.

Bless those who are dear to me, and may we find ourselves joyfully together when my service shall be finished. May my country know the Gospel through which comes liberty and greatness.

- From a French Soldier's Prayer Book.


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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 7

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD
(from the Missal)

Remember, O Lord, Thy servants, (name them), who have gone before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace.

To These, O Lord, and to all who rest in Christ, grant, we pray Thee, a place of refreshment, of light, and of peace. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.


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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 6

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER FOR A DYING COMRADE

We pray that this comrade's heart may not be troubled. His strength is going, and he has suffered a great deal, but he is not afraid. Let him feel that his sins have been forgiven, and that all trials are past for him.

May he not worry about his family, which he loves dearly. He dies believing in Thee as they live believing in Thee. May Thy face and the happiness of eternal life shine splendidly before his eyes.

-From a French Soldier's Prayer Book.



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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 5

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER OF A WOUNDED MAN

Thou hast permitted me to be struck, but Thou hast saved me from death.

For the sake of my beloved parents, and for my own sake, I thank Thee from the bottom of my heart.

During the long hours of inaction may my thoughts often turn to Thee.

Support those who do not have hope and faith. May there be no more wars, never any more.

Change the hearts that are in men that they may feel like brothers and not kill one another.

-From a French Soldier's Prayer Book.



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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 4

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER ON COMING THROUGH A BATTLE UNHARMED

During this terrible day Thou hast been kind enough to protect me. I make haste to thank Thee, but I am thinking all the time of the many who have fallen, my officers and my comrades. May they receive from Thee all the rewards, the peace and the rest, that is reserved for brave men who did their best. Give their unhappy families, please, the consolation of believing in Thy kindness and love.

-From a French Soldiers Prayer Book.



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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 3

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER BEFORE A BATTLE

More than ever I feel the need of having Thee close to me.
At any moment I may find myself in hand-to-hand fighting.
However rigorous the task that awaits me, may I fulfill my duty with courage.
If death should overtake me on this field, may I die at peace with Thee.

- From a French Soldiers Prayer Book.


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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 2

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

RABBONI!

When I am dying, how glad I shall be
That the lamp of my life has burned out for Thee;

That sorrow has darkened the path that I trod;
That thorns and not roses, were strewn o'er the sod;

That anguish of spirit so often is mine,
Since anguish of spirit so often was Thine.

My cherished, sweet Jesus, how glad I shall be,
To die with the hope of a welcome from Thee.


[Continued tomorrow]
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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for May 1

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

FOUR things which are not in thy treasure,
I lay before thee, Lord, with this petition -
My nothingness, my wants,
My sins, and my contrition.

- Robert Southey.

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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 30

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER TO DO GOD'S WILL

Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of Thee; Thou only knowest what I need; Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself. O Father! give to Thy child that which he himself knows not how to ask.

I dare not ask either for crosses or consolations: I simply present myself before Thee, I open my heart to Thee. Behold my needs which I know not myself; see and do according to Thy tender mercy.

Smite, or heal; depress me, or raise me up: I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them; I am, silent; I offer myself in sacrifice: I yield myself to Thee; I would have no other desire than to accomplish Thy will. Teach me to pray. Pray Thyself in me. Amen.

- BISHOP FENELON.

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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 29

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER FOR CHARITY AND TOLERANCE

May I be no man's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides. May I never quarrel with those nearest me; and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly. May I never devise evil against any man; if any devise evil against me, may I escape uninjured and without the need of hurting him.

May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good. May I wish for all men's happiness and envy none. May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me.

When I have done or said what is wrong, may I never wait for the rebuke of others, but always rebuke myself until I make amends.... May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent.... May I reconcile friends who are angry with one another.

May I, to the extent of my power, give all needful help to my friends and to all who are in want. May I never fail a friend in danger.

When visiting those in grief may I be able by gentle and healing words to soften their pain....May I respect myself....May I always tame that which rages within me.... May I accustom myself to be gentle and never be angry with people because of circumstances.

May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things he has done, but know good men and follow in their footsteps, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

-Attributed to Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea.

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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 28

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER FOR CIVIL AUTHORITIES

We Pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom and justice, through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist, with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude, the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides, by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality.

Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government; so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge, and may perpetuate to us the blessings of equal liberty.

We pray for his Excellency the Governor of our State, for the members of the Assembly, for all Judges, Magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare; that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and abiiity.

We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens, throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge, and sanctified in the observance, of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and, after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

[Continued tomorrow]
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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 27

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PRAYER FOR OUR GOVERNMENT

Thou, Master, hast given the power of sovereignty to men through Thy excellent and inexpressible might, that we may know the glory and honor given to them by Thee, and be subject to them, in agreement with Thy Will. And to them, Lord, grant health, peace, concord, firmness that they may administer the government which Thou hast given them without offence.

For Thou, heavenly Master, king of eternity, hast given to the sons of men glory and honor and power over the things which are on the earth; do Thou, O Lord, direct their counsels according to that which is "good and pleasing" before Thee, that they may administer with piety in peace and gentleness the power given to them by Thee, and may find mercy in thine eyes.

O Thou who alone art able to do these things and far better things for us, we praise Thee through Jesus Christ, the High Priest and Guardian of our souls, through Whom be glory and majesty to Thee, both now and for all generations and for ever and ever. Amen.

-Pope Clement.

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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 26

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

TAKE, O LORD, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will.

All that I am, all that I have, Thou hast given me, and I will give it back again to Thee to be disposed of according to Thy good pleasure.

Give me only Thy love and Thy grace; with Thee I am rich enough, nor do I ask for aught besides. Amen.

-St. Ignatius Loyola.

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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 25

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PSALM 142
Prayer Calling on God for Victory

Hear, O Lord, my prayer; give ear to my supplication in thy truth: hear me in thy justice.

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight no man living shall be justified.

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath brought down my life to the earth.

He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been dead of old: and my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled.

I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all thy works: I meditated upon the works of thy hands.

I stretched forth my hands to thee: my soul is as earth without water unto thee.

Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit hath fainted away.

Turn not away thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Cause me to hear thy mercy in the morning: for in thee have I hoped.

Make the way known to me, wherein I should walk: for I have lifted up my soul to thee.

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, to thee have I fled: teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God.

Thy good spirit shall lead me into the right land: for thy name's sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thy justice.

Thou wilt bring my soul out of trouble: and in thy mercy thou wilt destroy my enemies.

And thou wilt cut off all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.


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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 21

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PSALM 34 - Prayer for Victory

Judge thou, O Lord, them. that wrong me; overthrow them that fight against me.

Take hold of arms and shield: and rise up to help me.

Bring out the sword, and shut up the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul: I am thy salvation.

Let them be confounded and ashamed that seek after my soul.

Let them be turned back and be confounded that devise evil against me.

Let them become as dust before the wind: and let the angel of the Lord straiten them.

Let their way become dark and slippery; and let the angel of the Lord pursue them.

For without cause they have hidden their net for me unto destruction: without cause they have upbraided my soul.

Let the snare which he knoweth not come upon him: and let the net which he hath hidden catch him: and into that very snare let them fall.

But my soul shall rejoice in the Lord: and shall be delighted in his salvation.

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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 20

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PSALM 17
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
(Continued from yesterday)

The Lord liveth, and blessed be my God, and let the God of my salvation be exalted:

O God who avengest me, and subduest the people under me, my deliverer from my enemies.

And thou wilt lift me up above them that rise up against me: from the unjust man thou wilt deliver me.

Therefore will I give glory to thee, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing a psalm to thy name.

Giving great deliverance to his king, and shewing mercy to David his anointed: and to his seed for ever.


[Continued tomorrow]
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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons

Prayers & Reflections for April 19

The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime

CHAPTER XII
Occasional Prayers

PSALM 17
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: The Lord is my firmament, my refuge, and my deliverer.

My God is my helper, and in him will I put my trust.

My protector and the horn of my salvation, and my support.

Praising I will call upon the Lord: and I shall be saved from my enemies.

He sent from on high, and took me: and received me out of many waters.

He delivered me from my strongest enemies, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

They prevented me in the day of my affliction: and the Lord became my protector.

And he brought me forth into a large place: he saved me, because he was well pleased with me.

And the Lord will reward me according to my justice: and will repay me according to the cleanness of my hands:

Because I have kept the ways of the Lord: and have not done wickedly against my God.

For all his judgments are in my sight: and his justices I have not put away from me.

And I shall be spotless with him: and shall keep myself from my iniquity.

And the Lord will reward me according to my justice; and according to the cleanness of my hands before his eyes.

For who is God but the Lord? or who is God but our God?

God who hath girt me with strength: and made my way blameless.

Who hath made my feet like the feet of harts: and who setteth me upon high places.

Who teacheth my hands to war: and thou hast made my arms like a brazen bow.

And thou hast given me the protection of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath held me up:

And thy discipline hath corrected me unto the end: and thy discipline the same shall teach me.

Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; and my feet are not weakened.

I will pursue after my enemies, and overtake them: and I will not turn again till they are consumed.

I will break them, and they shall not be able to stand: they shall fall under my feet.

And thou hast girded me with strength unto battle; and hast subdued under me them that rose up against me.

And thou hast made my enemies turn their back upon me, and hast destroyed them that hated me.

And they cried, but there was none to save them, to the Lord: but he heard them not.

And I shall beat them as small as the dust before the wind; I shall bring them to nought, like the dirt in the streets....

[Continued tomorrow]
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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons