HOW TO MEDITATE OR PRAY MENTALLY.
St. Augustine is quoted as saying that "any one who knows how to pray rightly, knows how to live rightly." Many opinions could be cited of holy and learned writers who attach the greatest importance to mental prayer, and for some persons think it even necessary for salvation.
Distant Preparation. — 1. Avoid venial sins and be exact in all duties. 2. Practise some self-denial; guard your eyes and tongue. 3. Have a habit of recollection and union with God. 4. Be patient and kind.
Near Preparation. — 1. Read the subject attentively the evening before, and fix it in the memory. 2. Picture in your imagination some object or scene connected with the subject of meditation. 3. Take a respectful and not too easy posture in meditating. We should try to come to prayer with a disengaged mind and a tranquil heart.
Begin your Mental Prayer by realizing the presence of God, and kiss your crucifix devoutly. Preparatory Prayer: O my God, I offer myself entirely to Thee, and beg of Thee to direct all the powers of my soul to know, honor, love, and serve Thee. Grant, dearest Lord, that I may practise the virtue taught by this meditation. (Recall the picture formed in imagination.)
Then carry on a conversation, as it were, with Almighty God, while you exercise your memory, under-
