Aspirations

"Aspiration" from the Latin "ad spirare" ("breathe to") generally refers to deep, passionate desire or ambition. Medically it refers to a suction of liquids. In Catholic spirituality it means a short (few words) prayer.

Over half of my prayer is done in very small portions: aspirations. As I age (now completing my 78th year) I like everything small: work, food, exercise, reading, writing and prayer. My understanding of the itinerary into senility is to grow small, to strengthen and intensify evangelical childhood. These are short, sweet, standard prayers. They engage heart, will and intellect in a simple movement (in the Holy Spirit) towards God. The effort involved is minimal. My favorite twelve:

- I come to You as a poor man, in need of your mercy, in need of your love.

- Jesus, I trust in You.

- Let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you.

- My mother, I place myself under the mantle of your holiness, your purity, your tenderness, your beauty and your love.

- One thing I ask of the Lord, this alone I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

- We adore You O Christ and we bless You, because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

- Jesus, come into my heart; posses me; bring me...by the strength and gentleness, the fire and sweetness of your Holy Spirit...to our heavenly Father.

- Lord, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything. Infuse in myself, yourself; infuse in yourself, myself.

- Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me a sinner.

- Draw me to yourself, O Lord; fill me with your love.

- Let my weakness, my longing, my sadness...draw me to You...and draw You to me. 

- Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth.

These are simple, easy, precise, sweet, peaceful, comforting, uplifting, strengthening. And you can make up your own or use the standard ones. It doesn't get any better than that!