Do you want to be a really good Christian? The first of your battles will be to remain in the state of grace; to avoid any serious sin. The practice of some acts of piety throughout the day will help you to have a divine contemplative life in the midst of the daily routine.
Daily
- Get up at a fixed time. Eight hours of sleep should be enough.
- Offer your day to God through the intercession of our Lady.
- Work with order and intensity during the day as a way of serving God. Sanctifying ordinary work is the goal of our life.
- Try to attend Mass, receiving Holy Communion, as often as possible. This is the best sacrifice we can offer to God.
- Pray the Angelus at noontime.
- Pray the Rosary – if possible, with your family – offering each decade for a specific intention.
- Do some spiritual reading. Start with the New Testament or some well-known spiritual book.
- Make a short examination of conscience at the end of the day before going to bed. Two or three minutes is enough.
Weekly
- Center all activities around the Holy Mass on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. It is also a family day – for rest and spiritual growth.
- If you do not receive Holy Communion every day, receive at least on Sundays and holy days of obligation.
Monthly
- Make a private Confession at least once a month. It is a sacrament of joy.
- Spend a few hours in recollection, best done before the Blessed Sacrament. Consider how you are directing your life toward God.
Yearly
- Spend two or three days each year in silence, speaking with God only. A few days of retreat are necessary for the soul in the same way that the body needs a vacation.
Always
- Stay in the presence of God; be aware that He is always close to you.
- Thank God for the graces that He constantly gives you.
- Do everything for love of God: this is purity of intention. Always purify your intention.
- Try to live as you would like to die. We shall die as we have lived.