Chapter 4.4c - The evening preparation for prayer - Twofold preparation for prayer

 Extracts from the Dux Spiritualis by the Venerable Louis de Ponte SJ

Chapter 4.4c - The evening preparation for prayer  - Twofold preparation for prayer

Beside this preparation, which ought to continue throughout the whole day, there is another which ought immediately precede the actual time of prayer; that is, providing the subject and points on which thou art to dwell, either by reading some book or by recalling them to memory. 

If thy prayer is in the morning, this preparation should be made overnight, shortly before thou goes to rest.... like one who is to start early on a journey, prepares overnight all that he will need. 

For this cause, Isaias said [xxvi, 9]: 

            My soul has desired Thee in the night:

            Yea, and with my spirit within me in the morning I will watch to Thee:

insinuating that the fervent affections of the morning proceed from those of the preceding night.

This form of preparation was well known and greatly esteemed by those Saints who applied themselves to prayer morning and evening.