Spiritual reading difficulties

[BeeSweet]

I am having such a difficult time finding some spiritual reading I can stick to through the end. Problem is, I don’t get a lot of uninterrupted quiet time, and what little I do I need for prayer or just plain old decompression. My recent endeavor has been True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis De Montfort. I’m about 1/6th of the way through it, and I’m so lost. I just don’t get to concentrate for long periods of time, sometimes I can only read one page before I have to put it down and get busy again, and some days, that one page is all the reading time I get! My last failed attempt was City of God, and before that, the The Diary of St. Faustina, before that Love and Responsibility. I’m guessing maybe I should just read some poetry, or daily meditations by the saints or something.

Can anyone suggest some spiritual reading that is really really easy to read, which doesn’t require a whole lot of bra(name removed by moderator)ower? I’ve got to find something that I can pick up and put down and still be able to retain something from it. Suggestions of poetry will also be appreciated. The Diary of St. Faustina is actually pretty accessible, but it’s soooo long.

With baby #2 nearly halfway here, I’ve got to just admit defeat and find another game plan! Right now I’m glad that I’m fitting prayer into each day.

 

[bpbasilphx]

How about the most important reading–the Gospel of the day?

 

[DBT]

Can anyone suggest some spiritual reading that is really really easy to read, which doesn’t require a whole lot of bra(name removed by moderator)ower?

How about “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence? Here’s an online version:

practicegodspresence.com/brotherlawrence/practicegodspresence08.html

Suggestions of poetry will also be appreciated.

Here’s a link to the poetry of St. John of the Cross:

carmelite.com/saints/john/works/p.htm

Best of luck!
Dave

 

[BeeSweet]

How about the most important reading–the Gospel of the day?

I usually pop over to the USCCB website and peek at the readings for the day. I practice Christian Prayer, so I do get some scripture readings as well each day.

How about “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence? Here’s an online version:

practicegodspresence.com/brotherlawrence/practicegodspresence08.html

Here’s a link to the poetry of St. John of the Cross:

carmelite.com/saints/john/works/p.htm

Best of luck!
Dave

I’m hoping to find something in print since I shouldn’t, and really can’t be sitting at the computer any more than I already do. Something I can read with Elmo or WordWorld blaring at me. I think it’s a good thing to have baby see me with an actual book in my hands as well.

 

[Belle10]

The Diary of St. Faustina is actually pretty accessible, but it’s soooo long.

With baby #2 nearly halfway here, I’ve got to just admit defeat and find another game plan! Right now I’m glad that I’m fitting prayer into each day.

BeeSweet, I’m right there with you.

It’s tough to find time for our own spiritual needs with kids needing so much of our attention and energy (in and out of utero!). I would urge you to stick with The Diary of St. Faustina if you can – I read it and while it took me a L-O-N-G time, it was definitely worth it! (I’m thinking about reading it again actually!)

:hug1:

 

[JimR-OCDS]

BeeSweet,
the prayer time you’re getting, is actually where God is feeding you best right now. Relish this time!

In the future, you’ll get more time for spiritual reading, and you’ll find that because of your prayer experience, you will better understand the spiritual reading you’ve been led to.

I remember, early in my spiritual journey, I attempted to read the “Way of Perfection,” by St. Teresa of Avila. Not having much
experience in prayer, never mind interior prayer, it made no sense whatsoever. Fifteen years experience in contemplative prayer go by, and I’m brought back to the same book. Only now, not only do I understand it, but I relate my own prayer experience to what St. Teresa is writing about.

The same will happen to you. Prayer will always be the main source of your spiritual growth.

Jim

 

[Joysong]

I highly recommend Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. There are many practical and short (1-page or 2) lessons on just about any spiritual problem a lay person may have difficulty with: friendships, clothing, dryness in prayer, devotion, temptations, humility, etc.

St. Francis kept a little book on his person, and most likely that is where he obtained his inspiration from prior to writing his own book. He read at least one excerpt each day from Spiritual Combat, by Dom Scupoli. Both of these can be purchased from Amazon for less than $25 for both of them.

There is always the classic, Imitation of Christ, which also has very short chapters. St. Therese’s sisters used to quiz her on this book, and were amazed that she could quote it word for word since she spent so much time reading it.

 

[water]

My recent endeavor has been True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis De Montfort. I’m about 1/6th of the way through it, and I’m so lost. I just don’t get to concentrate for long periods of time, sometimes I can only read one page before I have to put it down and get busy again, and some days, that one page is all the reading time I get!

Don’t rush in finishing up the book. If you read one page at a time, that could be a lot too. I do that with the book of Saint Faustina. It took me 1 whole year to finish; however, whenever I read, I learn quite a lot…even if I read one page per day or just 1 paragraph per day.

Pray to the Holy Spirit each time you select a book or read a book to allow Him to inspire you what you need to read and what you need to understand. Many times, to one person, one sentence is worth more than an entire book.

 

[FCEGM]

I usually pop over to the USCCB website and peek at the readings for the day. I practice Christian Prayer, so I do get some scripture readings as well each day.

I’m hoping to find something in print since I shouldn’t, and really can’t be sitting at the computer any more than I already do. Something I can read with Elmo or WordWorld blaring at me. I think it’s a good thing to have baby see me with an actual book in my hands as well.

Bee, The Practice of the Presence of God is also available in print form - it’s a classic enjoyed by Catholics and Protestants alike. The author, a simple Carmelite brother, gives great lessons akin to the “little way” of St. Therese, but before her time.

amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0800785991

Another lovely work that I highly recommend for profound, but not difficult, reading is E. L. Mascall’s Grace and Glory:

alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=2674717&matches=36&author=Mascall%2C+E.+L.&browse=1&cm_sp=workslistingtitle

 

[InLight247]

You have received many good suggestions so far.

I just want to give you this link that is short and sweet for daily Gospel reading.

If you cannot find time to do any other readings, at least you may glance over this beautiful online Gospel reading and prayer, before you get to CAF. This site always has a nice looking picture on the front. And they change the picture every a few days for fun.
The content comes in many different languages at your choice.
This just gives you a handy option in case you are too busy to open your Bible and do the daily Scripture readings.
sacredspace.ie/

Or, you can go here for all three daily readings:
usccb.org/nab/

And if you like to read some good meditation on the daily Scriptures, you can go here:
wau.org/meditations/meditations.asp

When you are pregnant, it is very important to pray for your baby and expose the baby to God’s word. God’s word is life and light.You cannot afford not to receive this great benefit for yourself and your precious little one.

God bless!

 

[BeeSweet]

BeeSweet, I’m right there with you.

Give yourself a bit more credit! You work harder than I do, I’m sure of that!

BeeSweet,
the prayer time you’re getting, is actually where God is feeding you best right now.

Prayer will always be the main source of your spiritual growth.

You’re right. It is my priority. I certainly wouldn’t skip prayer for reading time. I’m just looking for a bit of a supplement to my prayer life, as well as some inspiration and encouragement.

I highly recommend Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. There are many practical and short (1-page or 2) lessons on just about any spiritual problem a lay person may have difficulty with: friendships, clothing, dryness in prayer, devotion, temptations, humility, etc.

I really like the sound of that, thanks!

Don’t rush in finishing up the book. If you read one page at a time, that could be a lot too. I do that with the book of Saint Faustina. It took me 1 whole year to finish; however, whenever I read, I learn quite a lot…even if I read one page per day or just 1 paragraph per day.

Pray to the Holy Spirit each time you select a book or read a book to allow Him to inspire you what you need to read and what you need to understand. Many times, to one person, one sentence is worth more than an entire book.

Your words are so encouraging. Thank you. I shouldn’t let myself get frustrated over only reading one page!

Bee, The Practice of the Presence of God is also available in print form - it’s a classic enjoyed by Catholics and Protestants alike. The author, a simple Carmelite brother, gives great lessons akin to the “little way” of St. Therese, but before her time.

amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0800785991

Another lovely work that I highly recommend for profound, but not difficult, reading is E. L. Mascall’s Grace and Glory:

alibris.com/booksearch?qwork=2674717&matches=36&author=Mascall%2C+E.+L.&browse=1&cm_sp=workslistingtitle

Thanks!

When you are pregnant, it is very important to pray for your baby and expose the baby to God’s word. God’s word is life and light.You cannot afford not to receive this great benefit for yourself and your precious little one.

God bless!

Isn’t that the truth! With my first baby in utero I prayed for him a LOT! My schedule now is just not as comfortable and consistent as it was before living with a toddler, prayer is a lot more work now than it was then.

I’m about to get in touch with a spiritual director for the first time. I’ll bet she’ll tell me to calm down over this. Maybe I’ve just got the summer reading bug or something. I miss being able to tear through a book uninterrupted, AND retain what I’m reading.

Keep the suggestions coming. I need to keep myself from walking out of the bookstore with Summa Theologica anytime soon! :doh2:

 

[PoliSciProf]

My recent endeavor has been True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis De Montfort. I’m about 1/6th of the way through it, and I’m so lost. I just don’t get to concentrate for long periods of time, sometimes I can only read one page before I have to put it down and get busy again, and some days, that one page is all the reading time I get! My last failed attempt was City of God, and before that, the The Diary of St. Faustina, before that Love and Responsibility. I’m guessing maybe I should just read some poetry, or daily meditations by the saints or something.

Can anyone suggest some spiritual reading that is really really easy to read, which doesn’t require a whole lot of bra(name removed by moderator)ower? I’ve got to find something that I can pick up and put down and still be able to retain something from it. Suggestions of poetry will also be appreciated. The Diary of St. Faustina is actually pretty accessible, but it’s soooo long

You picked some really challenging books so I am not surprised you are frustrated. I have been recommending the following to everybody so once again I suggest Father James Martin: My Life With the Saints. It is not just a hagiography but a wonderfully written account of Father Martin’s spiritual journey. Father Martin left a successful career in business to become a priest. These saints have meaning to him because of episodes in his life. You will easily get through it and will probably want to read it again. It is available in paperback.

 

[brigid12]

BeeSweet,

Your two+ year old may be old enough to start (emphasis on a start! ) learning to pray the Rosary and many Catholic bookstores have a wooden, non-toxic, large-beaded Rosary for kids. Might this be a time to start him/her on the “Hail Mary”? My granddaughter is the same age and only repeats the first two words and the “Our” of the “Our Father” but she likes to wear the Rosary around her neck as does her older brother. She (and esp. her brother) love hearing me read the Bible out loud. She likes the pictures in a children’s Bible, but likes the words from my adult version better and so does my grandson. (Both of them love to finger my MM and both say then “Mommy Mary”).
Reading Scripture (first out loud, then to yourself) might be a way for your little one to allow you more “mommy time”, too.

 

[Sheeniac]

Might I suggest Intro to Theology by Frank Sheed? And of course, I love anything by Archbishop Sheen.

You can get a lot out of a couple of paragraphs!

 

[Lamb_Serenade]

I highly recommend Introduction to a Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. There are many practical and short (1-page or 2) lessons on just about any spiritual problem a lay person may have difficulty with: friendships, clothing, dryness in prayer, devotion, temptations, humility, etc.

BeeSweet, I second this suggestion. When DH and I did the 30 days I spoke of in the St. M’s thread, we read this book together. It is very easy to read and it is amazing how it speaks so clearly to a person even though it was written over 400 years ago! The book Amazon pairs it up with is another good one to include.

I also second the suggestion to keep at St. Faustina’s Diary. I am still reading it. It’s not necessary to sit and read it cover to cover. It’s easy to pick up where you left off regardless of how long it has been since your last reading. I put a pencil mark next to the paragraph a last read so I know where I left off at.

Good luck and don’t give up.

 

[BeeSweet]

I have an order for the following pending with Amazaon:

The Spiritual Combat and a Treatise on Peace of Soul

Let Nothing Disturb You: Teresa of Avila (30 Days With a Great Spiritual Teacher)

The Imitation Of Christ

Introduction to the Devout Life

The Practice of the Presence of God

Grace and glory by Mascall, E. L

These should keep me busy for a while! I sure appreciate all the suggestions!

 

[FCEGM]

I have an order for the following pending with Amazaon:

The Spiritual Combat and a Treatise on Peace of Soul

Let Nothing Disturb You: Teresa of Avila (30 Days With a Great Spiritual Teacher)

The Imitation Of Christ

Introduction to the Devout Life

The Practice of the Presence of God

Grace and glory by Mascall, E. L

These should keep me busy for a while! I sure appreciate all the suggestions!

Let us know how your reading goes, Bee.

 

[HoosierGal]

You picked some really challenging books so I am not surprised you are frustrated. I have been recommending the following to everybody so once again I suggest Father James Martin: My Life With the Saints. It is not just a hagiography but a wonderfully written account of Father Martin’s spiritual journey. Father Martin left a successful career in business to become a priest. These saints have meaning to him because of episodes in his life. You will easily get through it and will probably want to read it again. It is available in paperback.

I am currently reading Father Martin’s book and I’m really enjoying it. I highly recommend it!

For light spiritual reading, try 12 Steps to Salvation and Holiness by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. I also enjoyed The Ordinary Path to Holiness by R. Thomas Richard.

Great question and responses! I love finding out what others are reading and recommending.

 

[Marsha_Adams]

BeeSweet:

Whatever you are reading. Read only one page. If you are able, read it twice. Then make a note, one sentence, two at the most of the main point of the page you read. Tomorrow when you pick up your book, read the note – it will refresh your mind as to where you were yesterday and read the next page.

 

[BeeSweet]

BeeSweet:

Whatever you are reading. Read only one page. If you are able, read it twice. Then make a note, one sentence, two at the most of the main point of the page you read. Tomorrow when you pick up your book, read the note – it will refresh your mind as to where you were yesterday and read the next page.

I’ll keep that in mind, that sounds like a really good way to meditate on your reading.

It won’t be possible though when I hear a CRASH! in the other room and have to throw down my book and retrieve the hollering toddler. That’s why I asked the question ~ because of toddler interruptions and constant noise similar to having a circus being performed in your living room.
:juggle: :extrahappy: :juggle: :coffeeread: :juggle: :extrahappy: :juggle: