Difficulty with prayer

[Franknj]

Sometimes prayer, for many reasons, can be difficult. However, we must know that God hears all prayer and is with us even when we do not feel his presence. Indeed, it may be that God sometimes removes the emotional satisfaction or well-being that comes with prayer to wean our attention away from divine gifts to the giver of the gifts, God himself. St. Theresa and St. John of the Cross talk about this and it is an essential element of the DARK NIGHT of the Soul. God tests our faith to call us to spiritual maturity. As long as you apply yourself to your personal and corporate (Mass) prayers, yes, you get something by it-- grace. When prayer is hard and you feel disillusioned, pray for the gift of prayer itself. Prayer, at its heart, is love talk-- a dialogue between God and ourselves. Speak to him and make yourself receptive to hear his voice.

Don't worry about fluctuation in your devotion--which is normal (St. Theresa had years of apathy at Mass). St. Augustine says that a desire to pray well, if sincere, is regarded by God as if it were deeply devotional prayer, because of the love and good will that survives in spite of the trial that is endured.

 

[MParedon]

Good post, thank you

 

[Adammi]

Thanks for posting that.
I liked the part about how it's not about emotion, to much I pray to feel God, instead of praying so that God can feel me.

 

[Wiffey]

That is wonderful! There have been times in my life when the closest I felt to God was not during mass or Liturgy, but when I have been all alone, kneeling inside an empty church. There, with no distractions from other people, I have always been able to sense the presence of God in a powerful way. I encourage anyone who is having a difficult time to go to an empty church for prayer, contemplation and adoration.

 

[Franknj]

I am happy you enjoyed it, I was sent this by a priest. It works for me.