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The Light of the World
Like all other prayer, liturgical prayer requires an appropriate preparation. The remote preparation
is our entire daily life, which must be so regulated that it contributes to our prayer life. It must
concentrate on the destruction of sinful habits and illicit passions, and prompt us to submit with
resignation to the ordinances and commandments of God. The proximate preparation is made
by reading over carefully and thoughtfully the material on which we are to meditate. When beginning
the meditation itself, we must lay aside all work that may distract us and separate us from
God and Christ, and through earnest prayer call down help from above upon our undertaking.
There are several approved methods of meditation. The method of St. Ignatius and the
method of St. Sulpice are both well adapted to the practice of liturgical meditation.
The Method of St. Ignatius
The exercise of the memory. We exercise our memory by recalling the material we have prepared
for our meditation the night before, and read it through again slowly and thoughtfully.
The exercise of the understanding. We ask ourselves whether in this mystery or happening there
is anything significant for us. What practical conclusions must we draw from it? How must we
act in the future? What obstacles must we remove? What means have we at our disposal for
this purpose?
The exercise of the will. This should result in a clear, definite resolution, flowing from the
affections that accompanied the exercise of the understanding. The conclusion consists of a
childlike colloquy with God, Christ, Mary, or the saints.
The Method of St. Sulpice
Adoration. We raise our eyes to Christ the Lord, and behold Him in His person, in His mysteries,
in His members, and in ourselves. We consider Him in His life, His virtues, His teachings, and
His works. We contemplate Him in His works, particularly in the Sacrifice of the Mass, and in
His saints. As a result our hearts are stirred to adoration, wonder, gratitude, praise, and love.
Participation. We long to share the life of Christ and to transplant His spirit, His virtues, and
His sanctity into our soul. We desire to share His life and His sufferings, His death and His
glorification. We examine ourselves and repent of our past negligence and faults. We humble
ourselves because of our present unworthiness and resolve to improve our lives in the future.
To have some assurance of this improvement, we devote ourselves to meditation and pray
earnestly for pardon, light, strength, and grace. We ask for an increase in virtue and for a growth
of love for Christ, our head.
Cooperation. As a result of our meditation we formulate a clear definite resolution for the day
that is before us and for our future life. At the conclusion of our meditation we thank God for
the grace and enlightenment we have received, and ask for pardon for the mistakes and faults
of our meditation, and beg His blessing upon the tasks of the day.
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