What is Meditation

Meditation, in a broad use of the term, means simply a serious reflection on any subject.  All of us do this constantly in the commonplaces of daily life.  As a form of prayer, meditation is a serious reflection on some religious truth or event for the purpose of exciting in us sentiments of contrition, humility, faith, hope, and love, and to move our will to form good resolutions for the bettering of our lives.

Where and When to Meditate

We can meditate in every place - at home or elsewhere, even when walking and at our work.  How many there are who, not having any better opportunity, raise their hearts to God and apply their minds to mental prayer without leaving their occupation.  He who seeks God will find Him everywhere and at all times.

How to Proceed

First: At the beginning, make an act of the presence of God and adore His divine Majesty.  Thus: "O my God, I firmly believe that You are present and I adore You will all my heart."

Second:  Make an offering of your mediation to God.  Thus: "O my God, I offer this meditation for Your greater honor and glory and for the good of my soul."

Third:  Fix in your imagination some picture appropriate to the meditation you are about to make.  This picture will help to recall your thoughts to the subject of your meditation should you become distracted, and also to remind you of it during the day.

Fourth:  Ask for the special grace you wish to gain through the meditation.  Thus: "O my God, through this meditation grant me the grace of..."  This grace will vary with the subjects of your meditations.  You may also ask for some special grace.

Fifth"  Read the meditation carefully, fixing its principle thought deeply in your mind.  Those who can afford more time for meditation should read very slowly and pause after every few words dwelling upon their meaning, eliciting acts of love, sorrow, repentance, desire, and so on, and making practical resolutions.

Prayer Before Meditation
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindly in them the fire of Your love.  Send forth Your spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.  O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit has instructed the hearts of the faithful; grant us the same Holy Spirit to relish what is right and ever to rejoice in His comfort through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer After Meditation
O Jesus, living in Mary, come and live in Your servants, in the spirit of Your holiness, in the fullness of Your might, in the truth of Your virtues, in the perfection of Your ways.  In the communion of Your mysteries, subdue every hostile power, in Your spirit, for the glory of the Father.  Amen