"Let us prepare ourselves for the appointed time…"

"But if it be delayed, we can be sure that we were neither ready nor prepared for that glory, which will be revealed to us in God's time.  Let us then prepare ourselves better for the appointed time."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

...and times we need to live more devoutly

"In this way, we ought to prepare ourselves at holy seasons, living more devoutly and performing our duties more exactly as if we were soon to go before God to receive the reward of our labors."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

Our practices have "seasons" too...

"As the principal feasts occur we must renew our pious practices according to the spirit of the feast, fervently asking the Saints to help us.  As the liturgical year unfolds, we should make our resolutions as if we were then to leave this world for the everlasting feast in heaven."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

Our size does not fit all...

"The same pious practices are not practical for all; for one suits one person, while another suits someone else.  Different exercises are required for different times, some being more applicable for holy days, others for ordinary days.  Also, we need one kind in time of temptation and another in time of peace and quiet; one when we have devotion, another when devotion is absent."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

On surrendering your will...

"Personal penitential practices are best done in private and not openly for others to see.  Do not be more inclined to the devotions of your own choosing than to those that are of religious obligation.  When you have faithfully fulfilled your obligation, then if there is time left, you may perform those devotions according to your inspiration."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

Arm yourself with humility...

"Arm yourself with humility and charity so as to ward off attacks of the devil.  Refrain from gluttony and it will be easier for you to restrain carnal desires.  Never be idle: read, write, meditate, pray, or work for the good of the community.  As for bodily mortification, practice these with discretion; for what is profitable for one may harm another."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

On checking your progress...

"If you cannot recollect yourself all the time, you should do so at intervals; for instance, in the morning you should make your resolution for the day, and then in the evening check up on yourself to see what your conduct has been during the day--how you have kept your resolution, what have been your thoughts, words, and actions.  For in any of these ways you may have offended God and your neighbor more often than you think."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen

On making a firm resolution...

"Nevertheless, we must have a resolve about something definite, particularly concerning those things which are our greatest hindrances.   We should carefully search and put in order both our interior and exterior, for both are necessary to our spiritual progress."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Nineteen