Great Temptations!

[Augustine3]

I’m experiencing terrible temptations of sinful acts and at a time of spiritual dryness. I haven’t felt any real closeness to God in years. I have tried committing to praying the rosary daily. At the moment every fibre in my being is telling me to sin now and go to confession later. I don’t want to take advantage of God’s mercy. However, the longer I suppress these temptations the greater they burn within me. Prayer brings no comfort emotionally (I know there is spiritual merit) but it seems I’m just sitting here waiting for something while I burn but I don’t know what it is…

 

[PraiseChrist]

Will pray for you. I admire your will to remain steadfast and not fall.
I would reason we may feel dryness in prayer is because it is another temptation to stop praying, and once we stop praying, we will fall into the original temptation. I noticed that doing some exercise like running, or biking, or walking (and while walking visiting the Eucharist) will greatly lower the passions that involuntarily tempt you. Please pray for me too! The reason you are being tempted is that you’re growing in holiness. I found a good quote from St Pio “The more the assaults increase, the closer God is to the soul.”

 

[Augustine3]

Thanks very much - I will offer my next Rosary for you. God bless.

 

[Convert_in_99]

I’m experiencing terrible temptations of sinful acts and at a time of spiritual dryness. I haven’t felt any real closeness to God in years. I have tried committing to praying the rosary daily. At the moment every fibre in my being is telling me to sin now and go to confession later. I don’t want to take advantage of God’s mercy. However, the longer I suppress these temptations the greater they burn within me. Prayer brings no comfort emotionally (I know there is spiritual merit) but it seems I’m just sitting here waiting for something while I burn but I don’t know what it is…

Get busy! Physical activity or exercise can really help fight temptations. You could clean the house, take a walk, volunteer, you get the idea. Also go somewhere public where other people are, you are far less likely to get into trouble if your in a room full of people. Prayer is certainly good, but alone might not be enough. We are embodied creatures and so to silence the mental temptations sometimes it’s best to get physically active.

 

[Augustine3]

Get busy! Physical activity or exercise can really help fight temptations. You could clean the house, take a walk, volunteer, you get the idea. Also go somewhere public where other people are, you are far less likely to get into trouble if your in a room full of people. Prayer is certainly good, but alone might not be enough. We are embodied creatures and so to silence the mental temptations sometimes it’s best to get physically active.

I appreciate your advice and agreed physical activity lessens the temptation. I work in an office and the temptations are hitting me hard. I quickly pray the Hail Mary or the Jesus prayer. Now what?

 

[Convert_in_99]

I appreciate your advice and agreed physical activity lessens the temptation. I work in an office and the temptations are hitting me hard. I quickly pray the Hail Mary or the Jesus prayer. Now what?

Do you have a lot of down time at work? (Without telling me details) Are your temptations computer related is that part of the issue?

Frequent trips to get water/coffee, use restroom or light desk stretching or excercises (google it!) dDuring lunch break a brisk walk or visit office gym if they have one.