Suggestions for spiritual growth

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stseany
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Stseany

Guest
Hello well this is my first thread. So here goes.
I am concerned about my spirituality. I was raised Catholic, but different life events keep happening that affect me. I keep making attempts to grow spiritually and they will work for a while, but then I go back to old habits. I don’t pray as often as I should, and I miss mass a lot. I have been taking steps to try to fix things. I had been going to my campus ministry, but there is an age gap between me and the other students there now since I am in grad school, and the people I knew there originally have moved on. I am also rather frustrated with the Priest that runs the place. I have been doing other things. I read spiritual writings, I meant with a Deacon I am very close to semi regularly, and I am going to start meeting with a priest from the local Cathedral. But even with all of that I just don’t feel it. I look at other people I know and how happy they are when the talk about Christ and how exited they are about mass, and to me it still seems a chore to do. I really feel like I am still missing something and I am just not sure what to do. I feel like there is a void in my life that I just can’t fill no matter what I try. advice would help. In particular if there are any books people can recommend I would appreciate it. Also if you have any links to videos or website you think would help. that would be nice to. And as always prayers are appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Stseany said:
Hello well this is my first thread. So here goes.
I am concerned about my spirituality. I was raised Catholic, but different life events keep happening that affect me. I keep making attempts to grow spiritually and they will work for a while, but then I go back to old habits. I don’t pray as often as I should, and I miss mass a lot. I have been taking steps to try to fix things. I had been going to my campus ministry, but there is an age gap between me and the other students there now since I am in grad school, and the people I knew there originally have moved on. I am also rather frustrated with the Priest that runs the place. I have been doing other things. I read spiritual writings, I meant with a Deacon I am very close to semi regularly, and I am going to start meeting with a priest from the local Cathedral. But even with all of that I just don’t feel it. I look at other people I know and how happy they are when the talk about Christ and how exited they are about mass, and to me it still seems a chore to do. I really feel like I am still missing something and I am just not sure what to do. I feel like there is a void in my life that I just can’t fill no matter what I try. advice would help. In particular if there are any books people can recommend I would appreciate it. Also if you have any links to videos or website you think would help. that would be nice to. And as always prayers are appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Wow,
Spiritual growth. In the past a woman prayed for years. One day God answered her. The wait was worth it for her. I don’t remember this woman’s name. She probably has Saint status now.
The dark night of the soul, is somethng that everyone seems to go through. One way of stating this, is God does not respond, when you think He should.
Another point. To do God’s works on earth, does everyone need to be a Saint, or a priest? The answer is no, other things are needed to be done, rather than everyone just pray.
What are you in Grad shcool for. What will be your basic contribution? Is it religious or is it primailiy secular? Secular is doing God’s work. It is. It is using what He gave you to do on earth.
Now, to go to church is doing God’s work also. To add what the Catholic Church says to do, to your secular job, is giving Jesus to the world. You don’t even have to try to do this. It will happen anyway, as long as you keep going through the motions.

Now, let me diverge, to your wish:
Sequentially,
  1. Jesus once said to pray in a way, where no one is aware of you praying. (That comes with a pretty big promise. It is something like, what you do in secret, God will reward you with in public.)
  2. Mary once asked people to pray the rosary daily. She never took that request back. Of the things said about the rosary, one stands out for you. It is the entire Gospel. Another item, but I have never seen the church say this is true, promises are connected with that.
  3. Do you want to know the Bible better? Prove it wrong
    TO YOURSELF and BY YOURSELF, then present those findings to the world when you succeed. They will love you and you will be famous for you have done a great service tothe world. Should you fail though, all is not lost. Test a few of the things there that God says, and that you totally understand. When you prove that properly understood things said by God are false when tested, equally that is significant. Caution though is called for in this important work.
  4. Consider the following: “From this day forward God, I do your will always everywhere and in all things.” Consider writing that down, or consider not writing that down. Whether you do or whether you do not, tell no one of your actions, unless you are married. You might have to tell your wife, as she is you and you are her, to God.
  5. Ask God repeatedly and wait. That woman waited for forty years for her request to be granted.
    …Curt/K.
 
I would say keep up the spiritual reading, especially about the lives of the saints. Try a discipline such as fasting (just a day or just give up meat or something else you like, just for a day), almsgiving or other small penance such as helping someone just to be nice.

Lent is coming up, maybe plan to have an extra special Lenten season. Easy does it. God will give you the grace to do more as you grow, but baby steps.

God bless you.

Edit- Books to recommend: The Imitation of Christ; The Interior Castle by St Theresa of Avila; The Autobiography of a Soul by St. Therese
 
I have not gone through the dark night of the soul I dont think. Prob on the bottom level of da house! I know other people as well, family who will say ‘God has never let me down.’

Yahoo!!! Enduring truth & the absolute…in the meantime pray & dont let God down.
 
Stseany said:
Hello well this is my first thread. So here goes.
I am concerned about my spirituality. I was raised Catholic, but different life events keep happening that affect me. I keep making attempts to grow spiritually and they will work for a while, but then I go back to old habits. I don’t pray as often as I should, and I miss mass a lot. I have been taking steps to try to fix things. I had been going to my campus ministry, but there is an age gap between me and the other students there now since I am in grad school, and the people I knew there originally have moved on. I am also rather frustrated with the Priest that runs the place. I have been doing other things. I read spiritual writings, I meant with a Deacon I am very close to semi regularly, and I am going to start meeting with a priest from the local Cathedral. But even with all of that I just don’t feel it. I look at other people I know and how happy they are when the talk about Christ and how exited they are about mass, and to me it still seems a chore to do. I really feel like I am still missing something and I am just not sure what to do. I feel like there is a void in my life that I just can’t fill no matter what I try. advice would help. In particular if there are any books people can recommend I would appreciate it. Also if you have any links to videos or website you think would help. that would be nice to. And as always prayers are appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Considering that you are in grad school, you are probably very academically oriented and so you’re asking for books to read. Have you tried doing more searching from a different aspect that doesn’t involve books? Maybe doing community service, being a catechist (since you are learned, that will likely be helpful in communicating ideas to others), or other things like that?

The book that brought me back to our Church is the Confessions by St. Augustine. I haven’t finished it and only read a few chapters, but I really enjoyed it. St. Augustine shares of his passions and how we are only ever truly satisfied when we are in accordance with God.

Do not be discouraged that sometimes you may forget to pray or don’t go to mass. It helps to just think positive and keep going at it until you get used to it. I think it was the same for me; it was slightly hard at first to go to mass regularly, but then after a while, it becomes easier.

I think that for me, one of the things that makes me happy is talking about our Church and trying to find out what we believe (I am the “academic” type). I love learning about our faith and thinking about the world around me in that context. Maybe that’s why I became a catechist, but who knows. I love it though!

I hope you find the thing(s) that will ignite your faith. Just remember that it will take perseverance! Also, you have to be willing to try new things that you feel you might not be used to. Pray as often as you can and listen to God’s call. I wasn’t sure if I was cut out or worthy of being a catechist, but I tried it anyway. As I said, it is amazing! God bless!
 
Read the Bible and pray. Something is going on internally that is not of God and seems to be blocking God’s light. Just keep facing God (don’t turn your back on Him), keep talking to God, and be open to God’s answers.
 
Stseany said:
Hello well this is my first thread. So here goes.
I am concerned about my spirituality. I was raised Catholic, but different life events keep happening that affect me. I keep making attempts to grow spiritually and they will work for a while, but then I go back to old habits. I don’t pray as often as I should, and I miss mass a lot. I have been taking steps to try to fix things. I had been going to my campus ministry, but there is an age gap between me and the other students there now since I am in grad school, and the people I knew there originally have moved on. I am also rather frustrated with the Priest that runs the place. I have been doing other things. I read spiritual writings, I meant with a Deacon I am very close to semi regularly, and I am going to start meeting with a priest from the local Cathedral. But even with all of that I just don’t feel it. I look at other people I know and how happy they are when the talk about Christ and how exited they are about mass, and to me it still seems a chore to do. I really feel like I am still missing something and I am just not sure what to do. I feel like there is a void in my life that I just can’t fill no matter what I try. advice would help. In particular if there are any books people can recommend I would appreciate it. Also if you have any links to videos or website you think would help. that would be nice to. And as always prayers are appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Sorry that I don’t have a lot of time right now. but just let me put this out there.
Our relationship with God MUST be built on Love. That is the core of it all. So my suggestion is that you not seek to grow spiritually through various disciplines so much as you seek to come to know the trinity and come to Love them. All else will flow from that Love (Agape).

Then the other things that seem like a chore now will turn into positive joys.

Peace
James
 
MyNameIsDan said:
Considering that you are in grad school, you are probably very academically oriented and so you’re asking for books to read. Have you tried doing more searching from a different aspect that doesn’t involve books? Maybe doing community service, being a catechist (since you are learned, that will likely be helpful in communicating ideas to others), or other things like that?

The book that brought me back to our Church is the Confessions by St. Augustine. I haven’t finished it and only read a few chapters, but I really enjoyed it. St. Augustine shares of his passions and how we are only ever truly satisfied when we are in accordance with God.

Do not be discouraged that sometimes you may forget to pray or don’t go to mass. It helps to just think positive and keep going at it until you get used to it. I think it was the same for me; it was slightly hard at first to go to mass regularly, but then after a while, it becomes easier.

I think that for me, one of the things that makes me happy is talking about our Church and trying to find out what we believe (I am the “academic” type). I love learning about our faith and thinking about the world around me in that context. Maybe that’s why I became a catechist, but who knows. I love it though!

I hope you find the thing(s) that will ignite your faith. Just remember that it will take perseverance! Also, you have to be willing to try new things that you feel you might not be used to. Pray as often as you can and listen to God’s call. I wasn’t sure if I was cut out or worthy of being a catechist, but I tried it anyway. As I said, it is amazing! God bless!
Click to expand...
I am very academically oriented and I read all the time which is why I was thinking of books. I read confessions and want to make my way through City of God at Some point. Introduction to Devout Life by. St. Francis De Sales was another I liked. I do like taking and learning about the church as you said. I do volunteer when I can as I think charity and social justice are two of the most important aspects of the faith. I never thought about being a catechist. I need to work on my own faith, and I have some problems with a couple of church teachings so I probably need to get that sorted out first.
 
They could be full of baloney. Don’t trust that their smiles and happy emotions mean they are Christlike, but at least they are happy so that’s good I guess. Unless they are prideful and smug, in which case I am tempted to want to slap them.

All that said, if you are technical, then I understand. My “spiritual director” told me to start with Job 37-42 for reading suggestion, because it has God asking Job a lot of questions he can’t possibly ask.

This, to me, is the deal. Catholics like to cluck about all they know about God, but when asked about mystery it’s just some spooky thing that follows some kind of rules based on morality. At least it can come across that way. But it isn’t anything like that. Everything that is not a mystery, is in our heads so if we want to stick safely to those ideas we “already trust” than we are “relying on our own understanding” rather than trusting the Lord. There is an ancient book that gives this a title" the Cloud of the Unknowing. Our “Cloud of Knowing” is all we know or can imagine – God is beyond that, in the Unknowing and if we are afraid of the dark, we may never go there in a receptive state to receive God’s blessings, healing, and frankly purgation. Yes, it is that good – St. John of the Cross essentially documented how some souls do their “purgatory” pretty much while still alive to enjoy the benefits.

Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

The really “big deal” is what we do NOT know about God, and how do we both deal with that, and access it by opening minds and hearts to His action. This is something that just isn’t taught from the pulpit to Joe Pew Sitter. It takes further digging.

Look into contemplative prayer, and the writings of the mystical saints like Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross. There are others but I don’t know them really well. You’ll be ahead of half the Catholics already if you do that, even though they may know more about Rules and Stuff than you do. 👍

MS
 
Well I can only tell you what has worked for me for over 35 years, but I can’t discuss much about it here.

I learned the method of Centering Prayer, and it is through this contemplative method of prayer, that my relationship with Jesus Christ grew.

If you want more information, PM me, for we can’t discuss it here.

Jim
 
Step #1 Stop committing mortal sins (ie: missing Mass) and habitually remain in the state of grace
Step #2 Stop committing willful venial sins
-Do by:
Work at rooting out predominate fault through daily examination of conscience and then move on to the next one until you no longer commit willful venial sins​
Frequent Confession at least once every two weeks, if not weekly accompanied by daily Mass and reception of communion as many days per week as your schedule permits without neglecting your daily duties​
Step #3 Grow in virtue

Obviously you will have to fit in prayer and good spiritual reading (I suggest St. Francis de Sales’ Intro to the Devote Life)
 
Sounds to me like you might be struggling with sloth, knowing what is expected of us as Catholics, but lacking the motivation to keep up the good fight. If you wait for all the conditions to be perfect (an agreeable priest, the right peers to attend Mass with, etc.), you may never overcome this difficult reluctance you feel for prayer and the sacraments. You might have to make a conscious decision to “power through” this apathy, and pray for the grace to see it through.

Since you asked for a book, you might consider getting Mother Teresa Come Be My Light, which describes through her correspondence her lack of spiritual consolations during the last 50 years of her life, rarely if ever feeling the presence of God, sort of similar to what you describe in your initial post.

Reading about her struggle might help you realize that you’re not alone, and that all of those happy, committed Catholics you describe might be experiencing their own difficulties just like yours. To the world, Mother Teresa appeared to be a superwoman of faith, and indeed she was, for she continued her extraordinary work without the feelings of consolation we all seem to want and need.

Here is a prayer for diligence from another book, The Freedom to Love, by Fr. Emmerich Vogt O.P., which you might make your own:

Father in Heaven, You made Jesus our model of love. You have made all the commandments of the law to enable me to love You and my neighbor. Grant that I may Love You with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and love my neighbor for Your sake. Instill in me the grace of perseverance and that apathy may die in me. Fill my heart with understanding love, so that by constantly seeking to grow spiritually while seeking the happiness and success of others, I may follow You in the journey of faith with true and perfect love. Amen.

And welcome to the forums! 🙂
 
JimR-OCDS said:
Well I can only tell you what has worked for me for over 35 years, but I can’t discuss much about it here.

I learned the method of Centering Prayer, and it is through this contemplative method of prayer, that my relationship with Jesus Christ grew.

If you want more information, PM me, for we can’t discuss it here.

Jim
Click to expand...
Ditto for me, for only 14 years though. You may also PM me, but JimR seems to know more than I do about it so I’m mainly posting this to endorse his post.
 
Hi there

I agree with JRKH’s post that any spiritual development must be based on love.
I came back to the catholic church a year ago and am trying to get a balance between scruples and spiritual development.

I joined a prayer group and I find that this is a practical way of bringing religion into real life.
I’ve started to pray the Divine Mercy.
People told me about Adoration but its only since I started to go that I have begun to understand just how special this is.
I’ve found some good websites that teach u to say the rosary.

I have prayed to the Holy Spirit and I feel that I am being led in a direction that is bringing me closer to God.

Hope this helps.

I am really struggling too to understand what’s required by the church and I find that these struggles often hold me back. However I find I get great peace in particular from Adoration.
 
Mystical_Seeker said:
They could be full of baloney. Don’t trust that their smiles and happy emotions mean they are Christlike, but at least they are happy so that’s good I guess. Unless they are prideful and smug, in which case I am tempted to want to slap them.

All that said, if you are technical, then I understand. My “spiritual director” told me to start with Job 37-42 for reading suggestion, because it has God asking Job a lot of questions he can’t possibly ask.

This, to me, is the deal. Catholics like to cluck about all they know about God, but when asked about mystery it’s just some spooky thing that follows some kind of rules based on morality. At least it can come across that way. But it isn’t anything like that. Everything that is not a mystery, is in our heads so if we want to stick safely to those ideas we “already trust” than we are “relying on our own understanding” rather than trusting the Lord. There is an ancient book that gives this a title" the Cloud of the Unknowing. Our “Cloud of Knowing” is all we know or can imagine – God is beyond that, in the Unknowing and if we are afraid of the dark, we may never go there in a receptive state to receive God’s blessings, healing, and frankly purgation. Yes, it is that good – St. John of the Cross essentially documented how some souls do their “purgatory” pretty much while still alive to enjoy the benefits.

Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

The really “big deal” is what we do NOT know about God, and how do we both deal with that, and access it by opening minds and hearts to His action. This is something that just isn’t taught from the pulpit to Joe Pew Sitter. It takes further digging.

Look into contemplative prayer, and the writings of the mystical saints like Teresa of Avila or St. John of the Cross. There are others but I don’t know them really well. You’ll be ahead of half the Catholics already if you do that, even though they may know more about Rules and Stuff than you do. 👍

MS
Click to expand...
The Bible verse actually made me cry. I lean way to much on my own wisdom a lot. I pride myself on my intelligence and a lot of times what I think I know trups what people tell me about my faith. I don’t even think I realized how bad I was about it until now. Thank you, I know part of what I need to work on now.
 
Stseany said:
Hello well this is my first thread. So here goes.
I am concerned about my spirituality. I was raised Catholic, but different life events keep happening that affect me. I keep making attempts to grow spiritually and they will work for a while, but then I go back to old habits. I don’t pray as often as I should, and I miss mass a lot. I have been taking steps to try to fix things. I had been going to my campus ministry, but there is an age gap between me and the other students there now since I am in grad school, and the people I knew there originally have moved on. I am also rather frustrated with the Priest that runs the place. I have been doing other things. I read spiritual writings, I meant with a Deacon I am very close to semi regularly, and I am going to start meeting with a priest from the local Cathedral. But even with all of that I just don’t feel it. I look at other people I know and how happy they are when the talk about Christ and how exited they are about mass, and to me it still seems a chore to do. I really feel like I am still missing something and I am just not sure what to do. I feel like there is a void in my life that I just can’t fill no matter what I try. advice would help. In particular if there are any books people can recommend I would appreciate it. Also if you have any links to videos or website you think would help. that would be nice to. And as always prayers are appreciated.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I have my daily devotions, but I have little desire to read or join in on groups. What I do do is listen to God speaking from within me. This, to me, is a great form of worship.
 
Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

This is wonderful advice, and so true! When you do this and your path starts to straighten, you will know it is because God is in your life!

Have you tried podcasts? I have a couple of podcasts that I really enjoy; they are great for the car ride or whenever. They are great shots of faith that you can ingest daily in bits and pieces.

‘Food for the Journey’ from Renewal Ministries with Sr. Ann Shields. She goes over the daily and Sunday readings in a 15 minute Catholic radio show, and the show is available as a podcast.

‘UMD Newan Catholic Campus Ministry’ with Fr. Mike Schmitz. He podcasts his Sunday homilies (they usually show up sometime on Monday or Tuesday) and I have found them to be very inspirational.

You have received a lot of good advice in this thread!
 
mariemargaret said:
Prov 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

This is wonderful advice, and so true! When you do this and your path starts to straighten, you will know it is because God is in your life!

Have you tried podcasts? I have a couple of podcasts that I really enjoy; they are great for the car ride or whenever. They are great shots of faith that you can ingest daily in bits and pieces.

‘Food for the Journey’ from Renewal Ministries with Sr. Ann Shields. She goes over the daily and Sunday readings in a 15 minute Catholic radio show, and the show is available as a podcast.

‘UMD Newan Catholic Campus Ministry’ with Fr. Mike Schmitz. He podcasts his Sunday homilies (they usually show up sometime on Monday or Tuesday) and I have found them to be very inspirational.

You have received a lot of good advice in this thread!
Click to expand...
I do love podcasts I will five those a listen. Thanks everyone for the advice I think I will enjoy it here.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top