Attending prayer nights

[pwlj_christ87]

hey guys I completed a 7 week life in the spirit seminar series back in june… it was amazing we had a baptism of the spirit and it was just a great experience… since then the same people have been invited to go every Tuesday night (tonight|) yet I have only attended once…

I am in my mid twentis and although iw ant to go I don’t know why something holds me back from going, mainly because I feel like there is no one there like me in terms of age or anything and I go to the gym everynight so that usually wants to pull me away, am I sinning here for not wanting to attend or partially wanting to attend, I know what its like… perhaps im too addicted to the gym?

I love the lord and I pray constantly throughout the day… I have no problems attending mass every sunday yet after work sometimes I just want to get to the gym and have been skipping these prayer meetings… I feel sort of guilty or am I being too hard on myself?

 

[grannymh]

hey guys I completed a 7 week life in the spirit seminar series back in june… it was amazing we had a baptism of the spirit and it was just a great experience… since then the same people have been invited to go every Tuesday night (tonight|) yet I have only attended once…

I am in my mid twentis and although iw ant to go I don’t know why something holds me back from going, mainly because I feel like there is no one there like me in terms of age or anything and I go to the gym everynight so that usually wants to pull me away, am I sinning here for not wanting to attend or partially wanting to attend, I know what its like… perhaps im too addicted to the gym?

I love the lord and I pray constantly throughout the day… I have no problems attending mass every sunday yet after work sometimes I just want to get to the gym and have been skipping these prayer meetings… I feel sort of guilty or am I being too hard on myself?

The Life in the Spirit Seminar is basically meant to bring a person into a deeper relationship with our Lord, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Spirit offers graces and gifts flowing from the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. At this point, it is totally up to you how you continue to live your life. Loving the Lord and praying throughout the day is key. Attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is primary as is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. From there, one needs a balance in one’s life.

There is no obligation to join a prayer group so there is no sin involved if one is not interested in going.

Some people never attend a prayer group meeting, but they serve as lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to the sick or they may participate in a community service organization which provides a place for the homeless to sleep. Loving Our Lord calls us to service to others. Loving Our Lord can call us to different forms of prayer such as the Liturgy of the Hours or reading Scripture. The point is to respond to Our Lord.

Others attend a prayer group which helps sustain one’s new dedication to Our Lord and the Catholic Church. Some people benefit from group support. Some people benefit from going to the gym. Usually, if this is a new prayer group forming, the beginning can be a bit rocky. Usually, the group will settle into a general routine. My favorite part of our prayer group was when we praised God together as a group. In this setting, age did not matter.

You could keep in touch with the group. Our prayer group brought in speakers who appealed to the whole parish and community. If there is such a project, consider volunteering. You could also keep in contact, maybe at Sunday Mass, with someone from the seminar. I have a longtime friend and sometimes when we meet, we find a place to pray together for five or so minutes…for special intentions.

What I am trying to say is that one should hang on to the experience of the baptism of the Spirit. Keep to the basics of Catholic Life and, at the same time, be open to new possibilities. Please don’t be hard on yourself. Be practical and responsive to Our Lord.

Just had another thought. Being young, it would be easier to substitute for a night hour at Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.

If you have other questions, I will do my best to answer.

 

[Mary_Ellen]

Yes, I think you may be being too hard on yourself. Going to the meetings is not required and going to the gym is not a sin. The seminar gave you the basics, it’s up to you as to how you live your life now, as the PP pointed out.

Work on your prayer life and frequent the sacraments (Mass and Confession), do the other things you learned in the seminar and continue to grow as a Spirit-filled Christian. May God bless you as you continue to walk your journey.

 

[pwlj_christ87]

thank you both for your responses…

it was weird… as I was driving to the gym I had a prompting to make a turn towards the church for the prayer meeting… I didn’t turn right away but immediately after did and went to adoration to pray… I had to sort of “shake off” the worldy things consuming me this past week , such as the gym… I stayed for the entire prayer meeting which was excellent and then enjoyed a fantastic little workout after…

i believe the lord called me to come today and i do not regret it and praise him for it ,

 

[the_phoenix]

Following an inspiration of the Holy Spirit is always an awesome thing to do!

 

[Aussieman88]

I’m glad you went. Its a question of who have you made your God?