Daily Devotional: August 8th

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

"God hates no one but has a special affection for the good man.”

—Hierocles

I have talked to many people who fear that God hates them or has turned against them. Some religions have planted this idea in people’s minds, and it can be difficult to shake. They fear God’s love comes with strict conditions, and breaking those conditions will bring His wrath. Hierocles makes it clear to us that God hates no one. God gives each person what they are due according to the laws of justice. This means the good and virtuous person is elevated toward God, but the person who turns to vice and away from virtue is subject to the avenging laws of fate and divine justice. God doesn’t punish the unvirtuous out of malice or hate but only in the hopes that through their hardship, they learn to turn back toward virtue.

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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