Suggestions on how to improve spiritual life?

[ResoluteSheep]

I do my best to avoid all sin, even venial sin but in terms of prayer life, I find it rather weak. I say my morning prayers (though I omit this sometimes) and evening prayers, prayers before meals and also 1 Rosary and the St. Bridget’s devotion everyday. But I rarely do anything in between that, I rarely read scripture, pray extra prayers. Prayer is becoming like a routine for me, any suggestions on how I can increase my spiritual life?

 

[JM3]

You should seek a spiritual director and practice mental prayer.

 

[Arizona_Fat_Gir]

Think of God. Think of Him, to whom you can open up and entrust your heart and soul. That could be the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship you will never regret and can always count on.

 

[LPS]

You have a good start!

Do you feel like you have a relationship with God?

When I was asked that question years ago it troubled me - I did not and didn’t know how a person can have “relationship” with Spirit - one we cannot see or touch.

But I realized the way to have relationship with anyone is to spend time with them.

So I suggest you spend time simply talking to God, and then listening. Maybe when you’re driving, maybe over lunch, maybe at your morning or evening prayer time. This is beyond reciting memorized prayers - talk to God in your own words, share your joy or fears or whatever you are feeling. If it feels odd that’s ok, persevere!

And … pray that He helps you. I know He will answer that prayer in mighty ways (though it may be gradual and sometimes almost imperceptible!)

God bless you!

 

[omgriley]

A few things really helped me. One of them, at the recommendation of CA’s Fr. Vincent Serpa, would be to stare at the Crucifix and to really contemplate Our Lord’s passion. Go over and over in your mind how it must have felt, the agony of the nails, the throbbing headache from the Crown of Thorns, the exposed flesh on His back digging into the splintered wood the Cross. Why would he do these things for us? It can only be an act of Supreme Love –Personally directed at you!

This helps always.

Also, in order to grow in the spiritual life, I would highly recommend Ralph Martin’s The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints

Good luck, God Bless.

 

[jaimeleglise]

You have been given excellent advice. Remember, whether the Eucharist is present at Mass, in the Tabernacle in an empty church or exposed during Adoration, you have the Real Presence of the Lord.

You may go visit Him daily and share your heart with Him. Many have become Saints due to daily Rosary, daily Mass and time spent daily in Adoration.

Your desire to grow in prayer shows that God is working in you.

 

[omgriley]

Me again…

You may also be experiencing Spiritual Dryness, or as St. John of the Cross called it, The Dark Night of the Soul. It may be that God is holding back the feeling of his Presence to you in order to further mature you. Many many saints have experienced the same feelings which you are describing, you are not alone! God wants you to love Him for Him, and not the feelings we experience when with Him. You must persevere in this dryness with the knowledge that God knows you and loves you and has personally sought you out from the foundation of the world to be with you.