The tripod: Prayer
Prayer
Piety is not an end in itself. It is a means to achieve holiness. For this, it is necessary to strengthen true piety. Saint John XXIII invites us to pray daily the “Decalogue of serenity”:
Just for today, I will live exclusively for this day, without trying to solve all the problems of my life at once.
Just for today, I will take the greatest care of my appearance: I will be courteous in my manners, I will not criticize anyone, and I will not try to criticize or discipline anyone except myself.
Just for today, I will be happy in the certainty that I was created for happiness, not only in the next world, but also in this one.
Just for today, I will adapt to circumstances, without expecting circumstances to adapt to all my wishes.
Just for today, I will devote ten minutes to a good reading; remembering that, just as food is necessary for the life of the body, good reading is necessary for the life of the soul.
Just for today, I will do a good deed and tell no one.
Just for today, I will do at least one thing I do not want to do; and if I feel hurt in my feelings, I will make sure that no one finds out.
Just for today, I will make a detailed plan. Perhaps I will not follow it perfectly, but I will make it. And I will guard against two calamities: hurry and indecision.
Just for today, I will firmly believe—even if circumstances prove otherwise—that the good Providence of God takes care of me, as if no one else existed in the world.
Just for today, I will have no fears. In particular, I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful and to believe in goodness.
In the Group Meeting it should tend to focus on the essentials, sharing the general lines of piety, study and action among members. (IF2 495).
Martha Salim Naime (GLCC Mty., Mexico)
