On Invocation; the Second Point of the Preparation.
Invocation is made in this manner: your soul, finding itself in the presence of God, is filled with great reverence at the sight of so sovereign a Majesty, and acknowledges itself most unworthy to remain before Him. Then, reflecting that the divine goodness permits this, it asks Him for the grace to serve and adore Him well in this meditation. And if you wish, you may use some short and fervent words, such as these of David: _Cast me not away, O my God! from before Thy face, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me: make Thy face to shine upon Thy handmaid, and I will consider Thy wonders. Give me understanding, and I will search Thy law, and keep it with all my heart. I am Thy handmaid, pour out Thy spirit upon me._ It will also be good for you to invoke your guardian angel, and the holy persons who had some part in the mystery on which you meditate. If, for example, you make your meditation on the death of Our Lord, you may invoke the Blessed Virgin, Saint John, Saint Mary Magdalene, and the good thief, that the feelings and inward movements they received then may be imparted to you: if you meditate on your own death, you may invoke your good angel, who will be present there, that he may inspire you with the fitting resolutions, and likewise for the other subjects of meditation.
Invocation is made in this manner: your soul, finding itself in the presence of God, is filled with great reverence at the sight of so sovereign a Majesty, and acknowledges itself most unworthy to remain before Him. Then, reflecting that the divine goodness permits this, it asks Him for the grace to serve and adore Him well in this meditation. And if you wish, you may use some short and fervent words, such as these of David: _Cast me not away, O my God! from before Thy face, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me: make Thy face to shine upon Thy handmaid, and I will consider Thy wonders. Give me understanding, and I will search Thy law, and keep it with all my heart. I am Thy handmaid, pour out Thy spirit upon me._ It will also be good for you to invoke your guardian angel, and the holy persons who had some part in the mystery on which you meditate. If, for example, you make your meditation on the death of Our Lord, you may invoke the Blessed Virgin, Saint John, Saint Mary Magdalene, and the good thief, that the feelings and inward movements they received then may be imparted to you: if you meditate on your own death, you may invoke your good angel, who will be present there, that he may inspire you with the fitting resolutions, and likewise for the other subjects of meditation.