How to Pray - a Tutorial with St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales has taught those of his time many beautiful lessons about prayer, many of which still apply today. What is presented below are my personal interpretations of his suggestions in "Introduction to the Devout Life." The book is a guide to Christian living for those who by necessity live in the world - simply put, its written for most of us. So here is a brief collection of suggestions, ciao!
-Chris

Preparing Oneself for Prayer

St. Francis de Sales offers two steps that can help you to prepare yourself to pray, and these are :

1. Place yourself in the presence of God.
2. Invoke his assistance.

• Realize, fully, actively, and attentively, that God is in all things and in all places. "There is no place of thing in this world where he is not truly present." Reflect on this, and think about God's presence in all places. "Therefore when you prepare to pray you must say with your whole heart and in your heart, `O my heart, my heart, God is truly here.'"
• Recall and consider the fact that God is not only present where you are, but he's also present in a special manner at the center of our being. Remember the your Confirmation, and being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of the Most High dwells within you, and that's a very exciting thing! "Therefore in consideration of this truth, excite in our heart great reverence toward God who is so intimately present in it."
• Think about how Christ looks down on us from heaven above when we pray. Reflect on how he observes our actions and conducts. Know in your heart that he is watching. "... we may truly say with the Spouse, `Here, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, looking through the lattices.'"
• Use your imagination to picture Jesus Christ in human form near to us. Now if we're praying where the Blessed Sacrament is present, this imagination isn't necessary - we know Jesus is here with us sacramentally. Reflect on that, and know he is near.

If you are meditating on a particular mystery, it would also be appropriate to "picture in imagination the entire mystery you wish to meditate on as if it really took place here before us." Recall the relevant Scriptural passages of the mystery, and imagine yourself standing there along with the major participants.

Morning Prayer

St. Francis de Sales outlines four steps to a serious morning prayer. While the majority of this Chapter is devoted to explaining them, he also is sure to explain its importance, telling us never to omit morning prayer. As a Christian, our day should begin and end with thoughts of God Most High. We should begin all things in His name, and in His service. St. Francis de Sales suggests that we pray even before we leave our rooms in the morning - lest in the morning hustle we forget our Maker. Here is his outline for morning prayer:

1. "Adore God profoundly, and thank him for the grace of preserving you during the preceding night..." There is no reason short of God's grace why you woke up this morning. Many people, after all die in their sleep. But you didn't. God has a plan for you in this day. Adore Him for giving you the chance to assist in His work. Also, if you have sinned in the past night, beg His forgiveness.
2. Today exists for the purpose of doing God's work, and assenting to His plan that leads to salvation. "Remember that the present day is given to you in order to gain the future day of eternity..." Firmly choose to use this day for this purpose.
3. Look forward and anticipate what will happen in your day today. Try to figure out what occasions you'll have for serving God, and temptations to sin to which you will be exposed. "By a holy resolution prepare yourself to make the best use of the means that will be offered to you to serve God and advance in devotion." But don't just resolve to do something. Think of how you'll put it into practice. Come up with ways to avoid temptation, and note the preparations you may need to make to serve God today.
4. "This done, humble yourself in the presence of God and acknowledge that by yourself you can do none of the things you have decided on, whether of avoiding evil or of doing good. As though holding your heart in your hands, offer it with all your good purposes to his Divine Majesty, beseeching him to take it under his protection and strengthen it so that it may turn out successfully in his service." Ask Mary, the angels and the saints to pray for you this day.

Evening Prayer and Examination of Conscience

St. Francis de Sales suggests setting aside a period of time before the evening meal for a "light devotional and spiritual supper." Given the fact that most people eat immediately when they get home from work, this time might not be as appropriate in the modern day. However, in my opinion, one should not have this reflection too late in the evening, as it is difficult to adequately reflect when one is too tired.

St. Francis de Sales feels this time for evening prayer is for two things. The first is to "rekindle in your heart the fire of your morning meditation." You can repeat the points of your morning meditation, or use another subject of devotion. Be humble before God in this prayer, and voice the love you have for your savior. The second part of this is the examination of conscience. St. Francis de Sales outlines four steps for this:

1. God has kept you alive today. Thank him and adore him for it.
2. Examine what you've done today. You might want to reflect on where you were, who you were with, and what you were doing at each point in the day.
3. Whenever you recall doing good, thank God for enabling you to do it. Through his grace, you accomplished these deeds. However, if you have sinned in thought, word or deed, beg God's forgiveness. Resolve to confess this sin at the first opportunity.
4. Finally, pray to God. "...recommend to God's providence our body and soul, the Church, our relatives, and friends." Beg Mary, the angels and the saints to pray for you.