Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew 19:16-22

There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?


Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: Guide to Spiritual Formation – Discerning Hearts Podcast


An Introduction to Discerning Hearts – Part Three: How to Use the Discerning Hearts App

Kris McGregor introduces the breadth of spiritual formation resources offered by the apostolate. Listeners are guided through the riches of Ignatian spirituality with Fr. Timothy Gallagher and Fr. Anthony Wieck, Carmelite wisdom with Dr. Anthony Lilles and Fr. Donald Haggerty, Benedictine insights with Fr. Mauritius Wilde, and Dominican teachings with Fr. Thomas McDermott. In addition, even more podcasts from Fr. Paul Hoesing, Fr. Scott Traynor, and Deacon James Keating.

Additional series feature Dr. David Fagerberg on the beauty of the liturgy, Dr. Paul Thigpen on spiritual warfare, and Msgr. John Esseff’s pastoral wisdom shaped by decades of service and encounters with saints. Beyond these, Discerning Hearts offers hundreds of Inside the Pages interviews covering spirituality, prayer, doctrine, and healing. All episodes are free, complete with detailed notes, reflection questions, and resources to accompany us on our journey of deeper union with Christ.


Transcription

Hi, this is Kris McGregor of Discerning Hearts. If you’ve ever longed for someone to accompany you step by step on the spiritual journey, Discerning Hearts exists to walk with you. This apostolate was born from a deep desire to help souls encounter Christ through prayer, discernment, and proper spiritual formation.

Wherever you may be in the world, wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we want to accompany you with a spirit that seeks to reflect the tenderness and guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We simply want to give what we’ve been given. We are here to console, encourage, and offer spiritual wisdom in the midst of everyday life.

In this episode, we highlight some of the major series and trusted spiritual teachers you’ll encounter on Discerning Hearts. These voices don’t replace the Church—they echo her wisdom and invite you into deeper union with Christ.

Let’s begin with Ignatian spirituality. Father Timothy Gallagher, of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, offers one of the richest collections of resources you’ll find anywhere. He teaches the foundational 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, helping us become aware of what stirs in our hearts, understand their sources, and respond well.

You’ll also find his teaching on the Examen Prayer, a powerful daily practice that helps you notice the movements of God in your day and grow in awareness of His grace. Father Gallagher also helps us navigate difficult moments in his series on spiritual desolation. When we feel confused, distant, or discouraged in prayer, this series may be especially helpful. For those called deeper, his series on the Second Week Rules of Discernment reveals how the enemy can use subtle deceptions even in committed souls.

These teachings aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical, drawn from the real-life experiences of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and everyday believers. They are meant to help you live in greater freedom. Father Gallagher also leads you into deeper prayer through meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition and teaches how to enter into the rhythm of the Church through praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

Father Anthony Wieck joins this offering with a series on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, unpacking the interior path to holiness laid out in that masterwork of spiritual formation. We also feature a powerful series on discernment by Father Paul Hoesing, rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, who offers insight into how God forms and speaks to the heart—especially helpful for those discerning vocations or seeking deeper clarity in prayer.

Father Scott Traynor’s School of Prayer guides you into deeper relational prayer, helping you foster intimacy with God in daily life. Father Amon Bork offers a tender, accessible series on prayer that meets you wherever you are.

In the Carmelite tradition, Dr. Anthony Lilles walks with us through the spiritual retreats of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, including Heaven in Faith and The Last Retreat, as well as her profound letters. His Beginning to Pray series also includes in-depth teachings on the major works of St. Teresa of Avila—The Life, The Way of Perfection, and The Interior Castle.

Father Donald Haggerty continues this contemplative path with a penetrating journey through the writings of St. John of the Cross, helping us understand God’s purifying love in The Dark Night of the Soul.

From the Benedictine tradition, Fr. Mauritius Wilde offers an in-depth series on the life of St. Benedict and his Holy Rule, showing how stability, obedience, and humility can shape our lives today. Father Thomas McDermott opens up the profound spiritual teachings of St. Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church, and the treasures of the Dominican tradition.

Dr. David Fagerberg opens our eyes to the mystical beauty of the liturgy in Pathways to Sacred Mysteries. His reflections help us experience the transcendent grace of the Church’s liturgy.

Deacon James Keating, in his uniquely contemplative way, offers sacramental series on Baptism (Born from Above), the Eucharist (The Way of Mystery), and Marriage (Marriage in the Lord). His other teachings—Communion with Christ, The School of Prayer, Listening for Truth, and Heart of Hope—invite us into deeper union with Christ and a more prayerful, interior life, while guiding us to live virtue-centered lives in the world.

Dr. Paul Thigpen’s Manual for Spiritual Warfare equips you with wisdom from Scripture and the saints, helping you stand firm with confidence in Christ. You’ll also find Inside the Pages interviews on spiritual warfare and exorcism, offering theological grounding and practical tools.

Dan Burke’s St. Teresa of Avila and Spiritual Warfare series shows how her teachings can strengthen us in our own battles through prayer, perseverance, and trust in God.

Monsignor John Esseff speaks with the voice of a pastor and shepherd. Formed by great saints such as Padre Pio and Mother Teresa, and serving over 70 years as a priest, retreat master, exorcist, and spiritual director, his words carry the lived experience of holiness.

You’ll also find video retreats on Discerning Hearts featuring Monsignor Esseff, Sister Cor Immaculatum, Father Gallagher, Dr. Lilles, and Deacon Keating. Each guides you in a more immersive retreat experience.

I’d also like to invite you personally to walk with me through Julian of Norwich’s Revelations of Divine Love. Julian’s insights on suffering, love, and mercy continue to speak profoundly today.

You’ll also find reflections by Teresa Monaghan of the Pro Sanctity Movement, Sister Gill Goulding on mercy, Dr. Margaret Turek on the mystery of atonement, and Dr. Regis Martin on foundational Catholic teachings in spirituality and prayer.

All of these series—and many more—can be found in our Spiritual Formation section. And don’t forget our Inside the Pages interviews, with over 500 episodes exploring Catholic spirituality, doctrine, literature, healing, grief, and prayer. These conversations are more than author interviews; they’re spiritual instruction for every stage of life. Best of all, every episode is free.

You may also notice that we’ve been updating our show notes across the platform. Each episode now includes fuller summaries, links to helpful resources, and Discerning Hearts reflection questions to help you go deeper. Whether you’re listening alone, with a friend, or in a group, you don’t have to journey alone.

In our next episode, we’ll walk through the prayers and devotional section—how to pray with the saints, offer novenas in a new way, rediscover the power of prayer, and explore audio books, lectio divina, and much more.

Until then, thank you for listening, and may God meet you in every moment of your day.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Novena Day 7 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Day 7Saint-bernard

St. Bernard you have said:

“It was love that motivated His self-emptying, that led Him to become a little lower than angels, to be subject to parents, to bow His head beneath the Baptist’s hands, to endure the weakness of the flesh, and to submit to death even upon the cross”

St. Bernard you have given us this prayer and with you, we pray:

(The Memorare)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

O God, who made of the Abbot Saint Bernard
a man consumed with zeal for your house
and a light shining and burning in your Church,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may be on fire with the same spirit
and walk always as children of light.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

The music chant used within this prayer is an excerpt from “Missa pro defunctis – VI. Offertorium” by Giammatteo Asola  preformed by Papalin under creative common license

For the complete novena visit:
The Nine Day Novena to St. Bernard of Clairvaux – Mp3 audio and Text

 

Sunday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Sunday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!
‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!
‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!
‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?


Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

The Ninth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

The Ninth Way of Prayer

He also used to observe this way of prayer when he was going from one country to another, especially when he was in a lonely place. He disported himself with his meditations in his contemplation. And sometimes he would say to his travelling companions, ‘It is written in Hosea, “I will lead her to a lonely place and speak to her heart”’ (Hos. 2:14).

So sometimes he went aside from his companion or went on ahead or, more likely, lingered far behind; going on his own he would pray as he walked, and a fire was kindled in his meditation (Ps. 38:4).

A curious thing about this kind of prayer was that he seemed to be brushing away ashes or flies from his face, and because of this he often defended himself with the sign of the cross.

The brethren thought that in this kind of prayer the saint acquired the fullness of sacred scripture and the very heart of the understanding of God’s words, and also a power and boldness to preach fervently and a hidden intimacy with the Holy Spirit to know hidden things.

Thus it happened once, to mention just one story out of many which we omit, that the devil came to the church of the Friars Preachers in Bologna in the form of a young man of frivolous, licentious character and asked for someone to hear his confession.

Five priests were brought to him, one after another. This was because the first confessor was so viciously disturbed and enflamed by his words that he got up from listening to his confession and refused to hear such dreadful things to the end. The second did the same and so did the third, fourth and fifth. But they went away without saying anything and they were not prepared to reveal this confession because, as far as they were concerned, what they had heard was a sacramental confession, even though it was the devil’s.

Then the sacristan approached St. Dominic, who was in the priory at the time, complaining about these priests, because five of them had not been able to hear one sinner’s confession. ‘It’s scandalous,’ he added, ‘the priests preach penance and then they refuse to give a penance to sinners.’

Then the Holy Father Dominic got up from his reading and prayer and contemplation, not, I think, unaware of what was afoot, and went to hear the devil’s confession. When he entered the church, the devil came to him and at once the Holy Father recognized him and said to him, ‘You evil spirit, why do you tempt the servants of God under this veil of piety?’ And he rebuked him severely. The devil disappeared at once, leaving the church reeking of sulfur. And the sacristan was appeased and stopped being angry with the priests.

.

The text was taken from the book St. Dominic: Biographical Documents, edited by Fr. Francis C. Lehner, O.P.  The chapter “The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic” was translated by Fr. Andrew Kolzow, O.P.

“The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic” from St. Dominic: Biographical Documents, © 1964 by The Thomist Press.
Nihil obstat: Reverend A. D. Lee, O.P. Censor Deputatus
Imprimatur: Patrick A. O’Boyle Archbishop of Washington
April 29,1964

St.-DominicFor the complete list visit:
The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Novena Day 6 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Day 62141575224-1_Our_Life_St_Bernard_Abbey_Mosaic

St. Bernard you have said:

“Let no one believe that he has received the divine kiss, if he knows the truth without loving it or loves it without understanding it. But blessed is that kiss whereby not only is God recognized but also the Father is loved; for there is never full knowledge without perfect love.”

St. Bernard you have given us this prayer and with you, we pray:

(The Memorare)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

O God, who made of the Abbot Saint Bernard
a man consumed with zeal for your house
and a light shining and burning in your Church,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may be on fire with the same spirit
and walk always as children of light.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

The music chant used within this prayer is an excerpt from “Missa pro defunctis – VI. Offertorium” by Giammatteo Asola  preformed by Papalin under creative common license

For the complete novena visit:
The Nine Day Novena to St. Bernard of Clairvaux – Mp3 audio and Text

 

Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time – A Time of Lectio Divina for the Discerning Heart Podcast

As you begin, take a deep breath and exhale slowly.  For at least the next few moments, surrender all the cares and concerns of this day to the Lord.

Say slowly from your heart “Jesus, I Trust In You…You Take Over”

Become aware that He is with you, looking upon you with love, wanting to be heard deep within in your heart…

From the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew 19:13-15

People brought little children to Jesus, for him to lay his hands on them and say a prayer. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ Then he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

What word made this passage come alive for you?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more give the Lord an opportunity to speak to you:

People brought little children to Jesus, for him to lay his hands on them and say a prayer. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ Then he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

What did your heart feel as you listened?

What did you sense the Lord saying to you?

Once more, through Him, with Him and in Him listen to the Word:

People brought little children to Jesus, for him to lay his hands on them and say a prayer. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ Then he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

What touched your heart in this time of prayer?

What did your heart feel as you prayed?

What do you hope to carry with you from this time with the Lord?


Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us,

and lead us not into temptation,

 but deliver us from evil.

Amen

Excerpt from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, copyright (c) 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd. and Doubleday, a division of Penguin Random House, Inc. Reprinted by Permission.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff and Kris McGregor discuss the theological significance of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Msgr. Esseff uses the Assumption as a sign of Mary’s unique role in salvation history, being free from sin and death, like her Son, Jesus Christ. He connects Mary’s Assumption to the broader Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life; that death has no power over those united with Christ.

He also shares personal reflections on the death of his family members, illustrating the hope and comfort that faith in the resurrection brings; along with the importance of understanding suffering as a way to unite with Christ, echoing Mary’s own participation in the suffering of her Son.


Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

  1. Understanding the Assumption: How does the Assumption of Mary deepen your understanding of the resurrection and eternal life in Christ?
  2. Conquering Death: In what ways does your faith help you to see death not as an end, but as the beginning of eternal life?
  3. Role of Suffering: How can you embrace suffering as a path to unite more closely with Jesus, following the example of Mary?
  4. Mary as a Model: How does Mary’s sinlessness and Assumption inspire you to strive for holiness in your own life?
  5. The Power of the Rosary: How often do you pray the Rosary, and how do you see it as a tool for spiritual warfare and peace?
  6. Personal Reflection on Loss: How do you find comfort in the belief that your loved ones are with Mary and Jesus in heaven?
  7. Living with an Eternal Perspective: How can you cultivate a mindset that sees this life as a prelude to the eternal joy of heaven?

Reading 2  1 COR 15:20-27

Brothers and sisters:
Christ has been raised from the dead,
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since death came through man,
the resurrection of the dead came also through man.
For just as in Adam all die,
so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,
but each one in proper order:
Christ the firstfruits;
then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ;
then comes the end,
when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father,
when he has destroyed every sovereignty
and every authority and power.
For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
The last enemy to be destroyed is death,
for “he subjected everything under his feet.”


Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He served as a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the missionaries of charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor.  He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians, and other religious leaders.

The Eighth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

The Eighth Way of Prayer

Our father, St. Dominic had yet another manner of praying at once, beautiful, devout, and pleasing, which he practiced after the canonical hours and the Thanksgiving following meals. He was then zealous and filled with the spirit of devotion, which he drew from the divine words, which had been sung in the choir or refactory.

Our father quickly withdrew to some solitary place to his cell or elsewhere and recollected himself in the presence of God. He would sit quietly and, after the sign of the cross, begin to read from a book open before him. His spirit would then be sweetly aroused as if he heard our Lord speaking. As we are told in the Psalms, “I will hear what the Lord God will speak to me,” as if disputing with a companion. He would first appear somewhat impatient in his thought and words. At the next moment, he would become a quiet listener. Then again, he seemed to discuss and contend; he seemed almost to laugh and weep at the same time, and then attentively and submissively would murmur to himself and strike his breast.

Should some curious person desire to watch our Holy Father Dominic, he would’ve appeared to him like Moses, who went into the desert to the sacred mountain of God, and there beheld the burning bush and heard the Lord speaking to him as he was bowed down in the divine presence. This holy custom of our Father seems, as it were, to resemble the prophetic mountain of the Lord, inasmuch as he quickly passed upwards from reading to prayer, from prayer to meditation, and from meditation to contemplation. When he read alone in this solitary fashion, Dominic used to venerate the book, bow to it, and kiss it. This was especially true if he was reading the gospels and when he had been reading the very words which had come from the mouth of Christ.

At other times, he would hide his face and cover it with his cappa or bury his face in his hands and veil it slightly with the cappa. Then he would weep, all fervent and filled with holy desires. Following this, as if to render thanks to some person of great excellence for benefits received, he would reverently rise and incline his head for a short time, wholly refreshed, and in great interior peace. He then returned to his book.

.

The text was taken from the book St. Dominic: Biographical Documents, edited by Fr. Francis C. Lehner, O.P.  The chapter “The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic” was translated by Fr. Andrew Kolzow, O.P.

“The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic” from St. Dominic: Biographical Documents, © 1964 by The Thomist Press.
Nihil obstat: Reverend A. D. Lee, O.P. Censor Deputatus
Imprimatur: Patrick A. O’Boyle Archbishop of Washington
April 29,1964

St.-DominicFor the complete list visit:
The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Novena Day 5 – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

Day 5

St. BernardSt. Bernard you have said:

“Jesus, thou joy of loving hearts, Thou fount of life, thou Light of men, From the best bliss that earth imparts We turn unfilled to Thee again. We taste Thee, O Thou living Bread, And long to feast upon Thee still: We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead, And thirst our souls from Thee to fill. O Jesus, ever with us stay, Make all our moments calm and bright; Chase the dark night of sin away, Shed o’er the world Thy holy light.”

St. Bernard you have given us this prayer and with you, we pray:

(The Memorare)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

O God, who made of the Abbot Saint Bernard
a man consumed with zeal for your house
and a light shining and burning in your Church,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may be on fire with the same spirit
and walk always as children of light.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

 

The music chant used within this prayer is an excerpt from “Missa pro defunctis – VI. Offertorium” by Giammatteo Asola  preformed by Papalin under creative common license

For the complete novena visit:
The Nine Day Novena to St. Bernard of Clairvaux – Mp3 audio and Text