Devotions and sin

[billcu1]

I went to confession the other day, and I guess I will have to again. I stopped doing my devotions for 2-3 days. That’s all it took. Well…the priest presiding over the Mass told me that the divine mercy chaplet which is part of my devotions isn’t a substitute for the rosary. It’s not that I dislike the rosary at all. I was doing the mercy chaplet because sometimes it’s hard for me to get the rosary all done in a day. Especially on a busy day. I know that sounds like a cop out but it is true. What is different about the rosary and the divine mercy? Visualizations and meditations? I meditate on the shroud (of Turin). I think it’s real, definitely worthy of devotion the church says. I picked the Chaplet.

 

[Casilda]

I believe the priest was wrong in telling you that. Any and all devotions are a private matter, one isn’t necessary over another. I know a dear soul who alternates the Divine Mercy chaplet with the rosary devotion. Nothing wrong in that.

I hope you can return to your devotions.

 

[billcu1]

I believe the priest was wrong in telling you that. Any and all devotions are a private matter, one isn’t necessary over another. I know a dear soul who alternates the Divine Mercy chaplet with the rosary devotion. Nothing wrong in that.

I hope you can return to your devotions.

Maybe this was his opinion. IDK. He said he says the rosary and the chaplet everyday. He doesn’t have a congregation of his own and he’s a little older. But I really admire him. Many priests don’t because of their safety wear priest’s garb outside in the world. He wear a frock much like a monk. That style type of garb. Everyone sees him coming. He goes all around where they need him in the Diocese. Or at least the Vicarate. He says even protestants call him to come and help with funerals and such.

 

[tjaugustine]

I wonder, are you under vow or a penace obliging you to say rosary daily? If not, I think this is not a sin. That being said, it is very good you want to go to see the confessor and talk about it.

 

[billcu1]

I wonder, are you under vow or a penace obliging you to say rosary daily? If not, I think this is not a sin. That being said, it is very good you want to go to see the confessor and talk about it.

Oh no. I’m not under any vows. But I do want to do devotions. My sins are well…lust. Looking at things I shouldn’t. These type of things are the hardest to overcome. I have to fight. Getting on the internet can be tempting. I don’t get to Mass but if I’m lucky once a week. Sundays the buses don’t run so I can’t go then. I pray for purity of heart and other things as well, such as making God’s will and our Lord’s will my own. Without devotions, I would fail and even 2-3 days there with a break, I failed. But while I was doing them everyday grace was with me. Today I begin anew. As the weather straightens up I hope to go to Mass more. Fasting is something that would help I am sure.

 

[pianistclare]

Think of it this way:
Devotions are tools for our spiritual toolbox.
They are ways to help us to avoid instances of sin.
To skip one on any given day, is not sinful.
But you may find yourself falling into sin more easily if you drop them altogether.
Please, do not fret over this, Devotions are wonderful, but they are not magical.
Your interior intention, and your willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit and the promptings of your guardian angel are increased when we fervently pray. Your confessor has probably sharing what works for him and he wants to help you. Take his advice in the spirit it is given.
You came to the Divine Physician in Confession. Accept the healing and develop better habits. Prayer and devotions can help in this area.

 

[billcu1]

Think of it this way:
Devotions are tools for our spiritual toolbox.
They are ways to help us to avoid instances of sin.
To skip one on any given day, is not sinful.
But you may find yourself falling into sin more easily if you drop them altogether.
Please, do not fret over this, Devotions are wonderful, but they are not magical.
Your interior intention, and your willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit and the promptings of your guardian angel are increased when we fervently pray. Your confessor has probably sharing what works for him and he wants to help you. Take his advice in the spirit it is given.
You came to the Divine Physician in Confession. Accept the healing and develop better habits. Prayer and devotions can help in this area.

What are the effects of devotions when done in sin? I believe they have certain “promises” attached. Whether or not you want to call them magical or not I guess is up to you. I think they serve a purpose. I have stopped before for a day or two and sinned.

 

[tjaugustine]

In the end, all effects from devotions are grace of God. It is not automatic you get them, no magic involved. Yet I would say most do not require you to be in state of grace. (of course one should be). Consult your priest on how often you should confess given your particular sin you mention. But no amount of sin should stop us from praying, as the praying helps us getting back to God (He approaches the sinners)

 

[billcu1]

In the end, all effects from devotions are grace of God. It is not automatic you get them, no magic involved. Yet I would say most do not require you to be in state of grace. (of course one should be). Consult your priest on how often you should confess given your particular sin you mention. But no amount of sin should stop us from praying, as the praying helps us getting back to God (He approaches the sinners)

I would think though participating in the sacraments like Eucharist and reconciliation are going to be more important than devotions. I was told devotions are how we build faith.

 

[pianistclare]

What are the effects of devotions when done in sin? I believe they have certain “promises” attached. Whether or not you want to call them magical or not I guess is up to you. I think they serve a purpose. I have stopped before for a day or two and sinned.

Sinners need to pray more than ever for repentance, and contrition.

 

[tjaugustine]

I would think though participating in the sacraments like Eucharist and reconciliation are going to be more important than devotions. I was told devotions are how we build faith.

Yes, sacraments trump all