Level II · Daily Connection · practice 2 of 4

Daily Aspirations

Brief darts of love sent to the Heart of Jesus throughout the day.

Why this practice

An aspiration is a very short prayer — a few words — lifted to God in the middle of ordinary activity. "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You." "Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine."

Croiset and the whole tradition of the devotion prize these little acts: they keep the soul turned toward the Heart between the set times of prayer, until love becomes nearly continuous. They cost nothing and can be said anywhere.

How to begin

1Choose one short aspiration and make it yours for a week. Repeat it often — waking, working, waiting.

2Attach it to a recurring moment: each time you sit down, each time a clock chimes, each red light.

3Do not strain for feeling. The will to turn toward Him is the whole of it.

4Keep a few aspirations ready for different needs — trust, sorrow, thanksgiving, love.

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thine.

— Traditional aspiration

A prayer for this practice

Sacred Heart of Jesus, may my every breath be a small turning toward You. When I forget You, draw me back gently; when I remember You, let it be with love. I trust in You.

Amen.

When you're ready

Daily Examen with the Heart →