No Coffee on Saturdays, and singing in Latin

[JesusLovesOurLady]

Hey everyone,
I'm planning on trying two new things, to help me with my prayers and meditation.

First, I've been trying fast on Saturdays in honour of Mary, usually, whenever I fast, I have coffee black, with just some milk to cool it down. On my first Lent, I tried to abstain from coffee completely, but couldn't do it. Since I usually have very little to do on Saturdays, I'm planning on abstaining from coffee on Saturdays, and then try in work myself up to abstaining from coffee completely during this years Lent, of not Advent.

My Second plan, is to try singing Latin quietly to myself, while I do my reading and meditations. I'm watching a video on TradCat spirituality right now, and in it, the priest says that one of the key things that helps monks stick to their rules, is their singing. So I figured singing a Pater Noster, or Ave Maria to myself quietly, might help my to focus more during my meditations. My brother has started whistling a lot lately, so I figure my family won't mind my if I sing softly to myself in Latin every now and then.

I'd like a couple of prayers and advice for help with this, that I remember to try this, and have the courage to do so.

 

[Michie]

I have no advise from the Catholic perspective on this as I just do what is required by the Church do far. Still feeling my way around the issue of fasting, etc. as a Catholic on a voluntary basis. As a protestant, I would fast from everything except water for days at a time. I'm still learning the Catholic understanding of what it means to fast as a Catholic verses the all or nothing concept of fasting as a protestant. I will pray for your intentions and God's guidance for you and your discernment in the process.

 

[Catherineanne]

Hey everyone,
I'm planning on trying two new things, to help me with my prayers and meditation.

First, I've been trying fast on Saturdays in honour of Mary, usually, whenever I fast, I have coffee black, with just some milk to cool it down. On my first Lent, I tried to abstain from coffee completely, but couldn't do it. Since I usually have very little to do on Saturdays, I'm planning on abstaining from coffee on Saturdays, and then try in work myself up to abstaining from coffee completely during this years Lent, of not Advent.

My Second plan, is to try singing Latin quietly to myself, while I do my reading and meditations. I'm watching a video on TradCat spirituality right now, and in it, the priest says that one of the key things that helps monks stick to their rules, is their singing. So I figured singing a Pater Noster, or Ave Maria to myself quietly, might help my to focus more during my meditations. My brother has started whistling a lot lately, so I figure my family won't mind my if I sing softly to myself in Latin every now and then.

I'd like a couple of prayers and advice for help with this, that I remember to try this, and have the courage to do so.

Have you asked the advice of your priest? That is the place to start because there is a real danger of spiritual pride resulting from fasting, and your priest is the best person to know if this is a possibility.

If no priest is available then I would say it is better to do too little than too much, for the above reason. Always remembering the principle that our fasting should never become a penance for those around us. In other words, if coffee keeps you sane, reasonable and human, don't fast from coffee. (But maybe cut down!)

 

[Stabat Mater dolorosa]

I recommend lectio divina if one desire deepening ones relationship with God.
Powerful stuff.

 

[JesusLovesOurLady]

By the way, I'm going to try saying the rosary in Latin, I tried doing it last Lent, but sort of grew slack in it, just opted to saying it in the Vernacular. Now I'm to try and take it up again, and learn some Ecclesiastical Latin.

 

[AvilaSurfer]

I stopped reading after "No coffee...."
But Lectio Devino - Yes.

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

In

I stopped reading after "No coffee...."
But Lectio Devino - Yes.

was thinking the same thing. Lol. Exit stage righttttt said snagglepuss.

 

[Catherineanne]

By the way, I'm going to try saying the rosary in Latin, I tried doing it last Lent, but sort of grew slack in it, just opted to saying it in the Vernacular. Now I'm to try and take it up again, and learn some Ecclesiastical Latin.

I have a CD of JPII reciting the rosary in Latin; that is a very useful way of slipping quietly into the devotion.