May 2nd
Chapter Six of Praying to God as a Friend
Seeking the Consolation of God

In times of suffering know that God will console you or at least give you strength to be patient.  God will not be displeased if you seek consolation from your friends.  However, God does wish to be the deepest source of your consolation.  Know that this suffering will serve to strengthen you, to increase your humility, and to renew your confidence in God.  The more weary and discouraged you may feel, the more confidently you need to cry out:  "The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear?"

Prayers such as these will restore peace to heart, mind, and spirit, for none are lost who place their hope in God.  Do not be afraid that you will displease God if at times you quietly complain that you feel forsaken.  Simply say:  "O God, You know that I love You and long for nothing else but Your love.  Take pity on me and help me.  Do not forsake me."

If your anguish does not diminish but continues to trouble you, then unite your prayer to Jesus Christ, dying in desolation on the cross, and cry out with Him for mercy:  "My God, my God, why have You forsaken  me?"

O God of love, You are and shall be forever the only delight of my heart and the sole object of my affections.  Since Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive," I do not hesitate to say, "Give me Your love and Your grace."  Grant that I may love You and be loved by You.  I want nothing else.

Mary, teach me to love God as you do.