Page:Spiritualcombat.djvu/175

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160
OF THE PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS

The second is, to ask for the prayers of those glorious spirits, who not only desire our perfection, but also that we may be in a far higher position than they are; begging that they may aid you against every enemy and every form of sin, and especially may guard you in the hour of death.

At other times you will reflect upon the many and singular graces which they have received from their Sovereign Creator, kindling in yourself lively affections of love and joy for those precious gifts with which they are enriched, rejoicing as if all those gifts had been bestowed upon yourself.

You should carry this disinterested joy even to a greater pitch than this, and even, if possible, rejoice that they rather than yourself have been thus favoured, since it is God's Will; and render, therefore, to Him thanks and praise.

To practise this devotion with ease and order, you may divide the different orders of the Blessed into seven parts, according to the seven days of the week.

Thus:—on Sunday, honour the nine choirs of the Angels; on Monday, St. John the Baptist; on Tuesday, the Patriarchs and Prophets; on Wednesday, the Apostles; on Thursday, the Martyrs; on Friday, Bishops and other Saints; and on Saturday, the Virgins and other Saints.

But omit not on any day the Blessed Virgin,