Daily Devotional: August 23rd

Daily Prayer X

Prudence, wisdom's beacon in the mind's expanse,  

In discerning gaze, thy insights enhance.  

A lantern in shadows, a compass true,  

Navigating life's labyrinth with virtue. 

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Oh, Prudence, guardian of thoughtful thought,  

In the tapestry of choices, finely wrought.  

Foreseeing consequences, with measured gaze,  

In the realm of reason, thy wisdom stays. 

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In the quiet chambers of reflective thought,  

Thy counsel, a treasure, in values sought.  

Prudence, guide us with your steady hand,  

In the complex dance of life, help us understand. 

Daily Meditation

"Everything that makes the soul better and leads it to the happiness befitting its nature is actually virtue and the law of philosophy, whereas those practices that tend only to human respectability are servile sophisms and a painted imitation of noble goods that have their eye on the praise of the multitude and give all their attention only to seeming, but not being good.”

—Hierocles

The goal of philosophy is to purify the soul and adorn it with virtue. Many people may imitate virtue through the ‘praise of the multitude’ or empty platitudes, but these are not true virtues. Only those things that make the soul better can be rightly called a virtue. Everything else is imitation at best or deception at worst.

Monthly Ascesis

Developing a practice of chanting prayers is a powerful and effective way to create stillness in our souls, allowing us to behold God's presence in our lives.

This month, begin chanting the short prayer below. Start with just a few repetitions, for example, 10-15. Then, gradually increase the number over the month. When you reach a higher number of chants, say 100-200 per day, your mind will begin to quiet down, and a sense of stillness in your mind and soul will increase. Following your chants, take a moment to rest in the newfound stillness and keep your mind clear of thoughts for as long as you can.

DOMINE MERCURI, MACTE ESTO

(Do-min-ay Mehr-coor-ree, Mahk-tay Es-tow)

Lord Mercury, Be Blessed

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