Recalling God's Presence Throughout the Day
1. Rising - see rising as a foreshadowing of the Resurrection. See the new day as an opportunity to begin anew your desire to grow in holiness, devotion and love.
2. Dressing - as you put on y our clothing, also consider the virtues that you need to clothe yourself with today: patience, honesty, humility, gentleness, flexibility, etc.
3. Prepare your day - try to foresee all the events, people and circumstances that you may encounter today. Consider all the tasks and responsibilities that you hope (or need) to accomplish today. Have a plan or outline of action before jumping headlong into today's activities. Finally, ask God to give you the grace to embrace all the things that happen today for which you did not plan, or the courage to accept those things that you did plan that may be left undone.
4. Check your progress - how is your "preparation of the day" going? More important, how are you doing? How are you relating to God? How are you relating to others? How are you relating to yourself?
5. Practice silence - throughout the day, retire to your heart. Ask for strength to deal with things that are challenging; give thanks for things that are refreshing. Gently remind of the importance of living this moment well.
6. "Direct your intention" - even the simplest of chores, tasks or duties can draw you closer to God. Begin every new or discrete activity of your day by offering it to God, asking for the strength to do good and/or the ability to deal with difficulty.
7. Retiring - remind yourself of your own mortality, limitation, and need to find rest and renewal in God. Briefly examine the day past: give thanks, for all that has strengthened you; make a firm purpose of amendment to address those areas of your life where you need conversion, forgiveness and growth. Ask to wake refreshed, able to meet tomorrow with renewed purpose and enthusiasm.
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