standing, and will (either all together or separately), asking, I. What am I going to think of? (who? where? when? why?) II. What doctrine or practical truth is to be learned from this? III. What reasons or motives for it from authority, reason, experience, or from the subject itself? (Is it becoming? is it profitable? is it agreeable? is it easy? is it necessary?) IV. How have I done in the past? (in thought, word, action; towards God, my neighbor, myself?) V. What must I do in the future? (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly?) VI. What obstacles are in my way? — (internal, external?) VII. What means must I use? — (determine on one or two things, and no more.)
Finish your meditation by a most fervent address to God the Father, to Jesus Christ, to God the Holy Ghost; also to the Blessed Virgin, the Angels and Saints.
After Meditation, examine yourself as to the preparation for your mental prayer; as to the manner in which you have made the meditation itself (posture, attention place, time). If it has succeeded, thank God; if it has not, find out the cause and resolve to do better next time.
