Private Devotions; Channels of Grace?

[Mally]

Does anyone have an approved Catholic source that explains exactly what private devotions are and what they may do for those who choose to do them?

I’m thinking of ‘lighting candles’ as I see quite a few people doing this. Also wearing veils; I have never seen this in any parish I’ve been in but I do see a few on EWTN’s Mass.

Also tongues, I don’t know anyone who does this except a few people on the Catholic Forums.

Also kneeling at prayer and a few more that I can’t recall right now.

Are these various ‘private devotions’ channels of grace or perhaps just something that helps people get focused and stay focused?

Mally

 

[Gene_C]

Hi Mally,

One of the best private devotions is…reading Scripture meditatively on a daily basis. It will revolutionize your spiritual life.

Peace,
Gene

 

[Mally]

Hi Mally,

One of the best private devotions is…reading Scripture meditatively on a daily basis. It will revolutionize your spiritual life.

Peace,
Gene

Gene, thanks for your reply…it is exactly what I have been doing for many, many years and you are right on the mark in regards to it revolutionizing our lives.

On the other hand, I don’t see it as a devotion. To me it’s our obligation to nourish our souls on the Word of God, just as we nourish our bodies with food, exercise, etc. and our intellect with good reading and studies.

My question about ‘devotions’ is that I’d like to have some understanding of what they are and why people choose to do them.

Do you think perhaps the private devotions somehow or another, are stepping stones that can lead to meditation and contemplation of Scripture, which leads to building and proclaiming the Kingdom of God?

Mally

 

[Joysong]

Mally:

Are these various ‘private devotions’ channels of grace or perhaps just something that helps people get focused and stay focused?

Mally, the channels of grace are the sacraments; i.e., sanctifying grace. Devotions could fall in the category of “actual graces” to help us grow in fervor and piety. This would depend on the intent of the person, and the results which ought to keep us in humble trust and faith.

Kneeling may be a manner of expressing humility, submission to God, fervor – but keep in mind that there are many other ways to do this, depending upon how the actual grace “inspires you” interiorly. Some find deep piety in laying on the floor prostrate in the form of a cross; some may just cross their heart with bowed heads. Do you follow me? Whatever moves you to deeper love of God is worthy of practice providing pride does not cause you to judge others who do not follow the same practice.

Lighting a candle is signifying that your prayer intention remains before the Lord. Wearing veils is not a requirement for anyone in our present culture, but if it makes you feel submissive and devotional, by all means wear one. If you were to adopt this practice solely out of fear that you are doing something forbidden if you do not wear it [just because of the few seen on EWTN ], then it is not devotion, but scrupulocity. The heart is not in it, do you see the difference?

Tongues, the gift of the Holy Spirit, is not a “devotion” but a manner of praying that I don’t think you need to worry about one bit. Just follow your heart and the leading of the Lord as to how He wants you to pray, and what prayers to use. If you do this only by rote, it becomes mere lip service. God wants our love and attentiveness, so providing you do this, you are pleasing Him.

 

[Mally]

Joysong:

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my question even though it is not what I’m looking for.

Your reply does however, back up what Gene and I believe.

 

[Gene_C]

Hi Mally,

The Rosary is probably the most popular devotion. It is supposed to be an aid to contemplative prayer, not a repetititve prayer done machine gun style without stopping to read Scripture and meditate. Yet how many people do you think actually take the time to meditate?

Peace,
Gene

 

[Mally]

Hi Mally,

The Rosary is probably the most popular devotion.

It is supposed to be an aid to contemplative prayer,

Gene, This is true for me. I must have been born ‘contemplative’.

Contemplation is a direct connection with the Holy Spirit for me; a connection that almost always leads to a deeper union with God because the fruit of it is always a deeper love for my ‘neighbor’ which for me is the key to union with God.

I need to stop for now because someone is here to take me to lunch.

Be back later.

Mally

 

[Mally]

Gene, This is true for me. I must have been born ‘contemplative’.

Contemplation is a direct connection with the Holy Spirit for me; a connection that almost always leads to a deeper union with God because the fruit of it is always a deeper love for my ‘neighbor’ which for me is the key to union with God.

I need to stop for now because someone is here to take me to lunch.

Be back later.

Mally

Gene…I have only a few minutes before Mass but I want to add quickly that for me the Rosary is also not a devotion; it’s so much more than that.

It’s so necessary for my formation; every step of the way, every day Mary teaches me how to love Jesus more and more.

With her help, I am even finding a deeper love for Jesus in my brothers and sisters which previously seemed so impossible a task.

Mally