Daily Devotional: August 27th

Daily Prayer VI

Blessed are those who tend to their immortal soul,  

Seeking its excellence, making it their goal.  

Unconcerned for the mortal, sparing not if need be,  

Prioritizing the eternal, their spirits free. 

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In the face of thoughtless attacks from mortal kin,  

They stand unenslaved, their soul's fortress within.  

Firm in resolve, above wickedness they soar,  

Holding their essence steadfast, forevermore. 

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Blessed are they who do not grieve when fortune turns,  

Heaven-sent trials borne with resilience, as it churns.  

They mark as good only what's in their immortal core,  

In serenity, they face what fate has in store. 

Daily Meditation

"Now he who vehemently labors to satisfy the cravings of desire and ambition will have none but mortal thoughts, and himself becomes mortal so far as it is possible.”

—Iamblichus

When we cling to our desires and attachments, we yoke ourselves to the earthly and mortal. Our thoughts will also think of mortal things. These mortal things are those that change and are impermanent: our bodies, food, pleasure, and possessions. Craving and desire bind us to the mortal world, direct our thoughts to mortal things, and thus make us mortal, so far as it is possible to bind a soul to mortality.

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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