Hey guys
I’ll keep this short
I’m far from perfect, as all of us are. However, there’s nothing I want more than to be with God for eternity. I’m just starting off spiritually I just don’t really know where to begin when it comes to climbing the mountian of holiness.
If there were one or two tidbits of advice you guys would give someone who was in my situation, what would they be?
If it helps, I’m a spohomore in college who has no idea what he wants to do with his life and is trying not to mess up too bad.
Thanks guys. Love this forum
A good prayer life is the foundation of everything?
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FWIW.
One sets aside some regular prayer times, a reasonable amount one can meet regularly, however small (planting a seed) though not too small, after all the goal is unceasing prayer – but what one can do - – so you can meet the goal of regularity – and later increase? And remember that good prayer is not the length of words but:
From the heart, mortified, and with pure a virtuous intention. A beautiful and virtuous prayer is what is a lasting good memory forever, here and in Heaven – so this is how to pray rather than as someone sending form letter, or typed by rote message.
What is beautiful and virtuous? Why all those beautiful acts of virtue we dwell upon in the life of Christ and the life of the saints.
So, a time for regular spiritual reading too, of holy writings.
For what is worth… a good start no?
Mortification is what gives prayer strength to reach Heaven, so some little sacrifice before prayer or regularly as you can manage, the regularity of any habit allows you to make it something permanent that can then be built on and grow, if you try to do too much at the start you won’t be able to keep at it.
Try to love what you do, as you should, because it is good and virtuous and with God, and this will give you the strength to continue and build upon it.
Since virtuous habits are done in Christ, you have to keep Him in mind and pray for the grace to begin them and do them with good intention, rather than relying on self. This hmm, change of mindset is important and not to be forgotten or overlooked.
… And do not forget prayers to Our Blessed Mother, and prayers with promises, and to give up sin.
And thankfulness.
‘For the rest, brethren, whatsoever is true, whatsoever is modest, whatsoever is just, whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is amiable, whatsoever is gracious, if there is any virtue, if there is any discipline worthy of praise, think on these.’
Philippians 4:8
‘The benefits to be derived from spiritual reading do not merely consist in impressing on the memory the precepts set forth, but in opening the heart to them, that they may bear fruit.’
St. Louis de Blois