Daily Devotional: August 9th

Daily Prayer V

Blessed are those who shun the allure of speakers' vain,  

With independent thought, virtue's path they gain.  

Straight intelligence guides their discerning mind,  

In pursuit of ordained virtue, wisdom they find. 

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They eschew the folly of endless possessions' chase,  

Defining limits by the body's rightful space.  

Measured pursuit aligns with well-determined needs,  

Guardians of balance, their action succeeds. 

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Blessed are they who maintain a godly bound,  

In pleasures that don't in virtue confound.  

No invitation to harm, for soul or body,  

Harmonious pleasure, in accord with virtue's decree. 

Daily Meditation

"God is not external to anyone, but is present with all things, though they are ignorant that he is so.”

—Plotinus

God is present in all things, including in our very souls. We don’t need to look outside ourselves to find God. We don’t need long books or some mysterious knowledge or ritual to find Him. God is within us, and we can seek Him by turning our awareness into the soul. When we do, we come into contact with the silence and stillness of the soul. It is here that we can see and know God. The children of Jove, the immortal Gods, dwell here as well. Seeking connection with the Gods in our soul is the first step to opening ourselves to the divine and letting their light pour into us.

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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