Trouble on the Road to RCIA

[quiet52]

Thank you for your advice. It is very helpful to me to receive this encouragement at this specific time. I just had a deep, hours long conversation with my wife regarding God, Jesus, the Catholic church, and a host of other related things. More than any other time I sensed that she was starting to understand the same pull that I’m feeling, and we started to synchronize on the same level. I’m trying not to see the hand of Providence in everything, but that sensation that I’m being guided in some way is quite profound. I don’t, as a point, ever look for miracles or evidence of the divine, but tonight was certainly a breakthrough for us both. Thank you again for your kind words and encouragement. I’ll keep you posted as to how things turn out.

You are very welcome Peterson04. I’m glad to hear you and your wife are discussing and sharing the faith with each other! Thank you for sharing with us here. The “sensation (of) being guided…” is indeed profound, for all of us. That you are beginning to place some degree of trust in that guidance is a wonderful thing. It would be great to hear from you now and then about your progress in your journey of faith.

I have been privileged to work with people exploring the faith, and with those in RCIA, and I have always advised that the most important thing to remember, every single day – whether you are praying, studying, reflecting, seeking inspiration, discussing faith matters with someone, and so forth – is that God is a God of love. Everything is about His love. Love gives meaning to our very existence and to our hope for an eternal life with God who is perfect love (of course in a face to face conversation, I make less effort to be this succinct). We believe that we cannot love in isolation – we do not travel with God or toward God in isolation. The ancient Israelites understood this, and it will unfold more clearly for you and your wife as you study and learn more and as you continue to develop your relationship with God.

Everyone’s faith journey is unique, but I thought you might like reading something written by a former atheist. Well, I like her title, lol – your reasons for considering Catholicism might be completely different from the author’s.
Atheists are Closer to God Than They Think
catholic.com/magazine/articles/atheists-are-closer-to-god-than-they-think

I have written your “CAF name” on my prayer list and will remember you and your wife in my daily prayers. Right now, my prayer for the two of you was written by Saint Paul in his letter to the young Christian community in Ephesus:

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. . . . Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-20)

 

[quiet52]

After reading more of the Catechism it has crossed my mind that there is the possibility, that something (I suppose the devil?) may be actively trying to prevent me from getting closer to God. This, I must admit, seems somewhat absurd to me on a certain level, but at the same time it’s rather alarming to me in that it feels like it may be true. I don’t, as a rule, jump to conclusions on things in which I have little experience, least of all things of such a subjective nature, but I do feel like there’s some wisdom in what you’ve said here.

I hope you don’t mind another post from me Peterson04.

Satan’s gang definitely does what they can to pull us away from God. God is their enemy.
If you like to read, I’d like to recommend C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters – it is actually on the Internet: arthursbookshelf.com/sci-fi/lewis/c.%20s.%20lewis%20-%20the%20screwtape%20letters.pdf
The book is a series of letters written by Screwtape, a “senior” in the devil brigade, to his nephew Wormwood, counseling him on how to draw a man away from God the
“enemy.”

Do you have any advice on how I should pray? Again, I don’t really know how this is done. Sometimes when I want to pray it just feels so ridiculous to speak out loud that I say it in my head, and at other times I just override that feeling and start to whisper prayers as best I can. My hope is that if I try, God will hear me and start to help me because I’m trying. I’ve never really believed in the power of prayer so the very idea is somewhat odd for me, but there’s a compulsion here that I can’t really deny and so I keep trying. I’ve even prayed in my car as I drive to work, silly as it may seem. Is there a method to praying that may be more…effective?

By the way, you ARE praying! There are several forms of prayer and ways to pray, and “trying” is praying. Be patient with yourself. God wants us to talk with Him and there is nothing silly about prayer, but yes, sometimes we can laugh. When extremely tired a few days ago, I prayed “God bless you, God” – and laughed, and envisioned Him laughing, when I realized what I said. I don’t know anyone who is perfect at prayer.

I don’t know anything about you and your wife, but, if you didn’t know each other from childhood, it probably wasn’t always easy for the two of you to talk about anything and everything, from the beginning of your relationship, right? It usually takes time for a couple growing in closeness and love to not feel awkward communicating freely and deeply. Same thing with God – just keep trying! Express what is going on with you, what you desire, what you are grateful for, and so forth. And sometimes, just trust in His presence, and listen, or merely appreciate His presence. It takes time. Ask the priest for further advice!

If you would like to learn a formal prayer, here is the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Prayer is one of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – it’s okay if you take a peek at Section IV. But remember that it will take time, practice and mentoring to digest it all.
usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm

 

[Peterson04]

I hope you don’t mind another post from me Peterson04.

Satan’s gang definitely does what they can to pull us away from God. God is their enemy.
If you like to read, I’d like to recommend C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters – it is actually on the Internet: arthursbookshelf.com/sci-fi/lewis/c.%20s.%20lewis%20-%20the%20screwtape%20letters.pdf
The book is a series of letters written by Screwtape, a “senior” in the devil brigade, to his nephew Wormwood, counseling him on how to draw a man away from God the
“enemy.”

By the way, you ARE praying! There are several forms of prayer and ways to pray, and “trying” is praying. Be patient with yourself. God wants us to talk with Him and there is nothing silly about prayer, but yes, sometimes we can laugh. When extremely tired a few days ago, I prayed “God bless you, God” – and laughed, and envisioned Him laughing, when I realized what I said. I don’t know anyone who is perfect at prayer.

I don’t know anything about you and your wife, but, if you didn’t know each other from childhood, it probably wasn’t always easy for the two of you to talk about anything and everything, from the beginning of your relationship, right? It usually takes time for a couple growing in closeness and love to not feel awkward communicating freely and deeply. Same thing with God – just keep trying! Express what is going on with you, what you desire, what you are grateful for, and so forth. And sometimes, just trust in His presence, and listen, or merely appreciate His presence. It takes time. Ask the priest for further advice!

If you would like to learn a formal prayer, here is the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Prayer is one of the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – it’s okay if you take a peek at Section IV. But remember that it will take time, practice and mentoring to digest it all.
usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm

Thank you for the reading material. I’ve already downloaded both pdf’s. I am making a concerted effort to continue on with the prayer as I feel it’s important. I do appreciate you posting. One last question in terms of prayer, is there a prayer that can keep, well, demons I suppose, away from me? Is the “Our Father” you posted intended for that?

Thanks again for your advice and encouragement.

 

[aemcpa]

One last question in terms of prayer, is there a prayer that can keep, well, demons I suppose, away from me?

The Our Father is appropriate for that purpose, yes, and also the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel: ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/michael.htm

 

[PJM]

=quiet52;10688832]Just so you know – no one can walk into a Catholic church at any time of the day and expect that a priest is there, waiting for someone to walk in to talk with him. I think only in the movies …

You can choose to phone the parish office to make an appointment to talk with a priest (just say you are not Catholic, but would like to talk to a priest – you don’t have to get any more specific than that with the parish office staff or volunteer who answers the phone).

Or, you can simply attend a Catholic Mass, to get an idea about how we worship together. Unless you get a marker and write “non-Catholic” on your forehead, no one will know what your faith is. I’ve known many non-Catholics who attend Mass, for years. Every person in the world is invited to attend Mass – although you may not receive Holy Communion.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a gradual process, with four stages. The first stage is called “Inquiry” (sometimes this period is called “pre-evangelization”).

You don’t have to make a commitment to become Catholic to learn about Catholicism – ask any and all questions you have, and do your best to open your mind to understanding the teachings of the Church. You might have a decent understanding of many teachings already, because of the faith of your childhood, and other worship experiences.

What follows (hopefully) is a conversion of heart, to an ongoing and ever-deepening relationship with God. It sounds to me, from what you have written, that God is tugging at your heart, and you’re starting to respond.

Then comes discipleship, in which we commit to submit not only our mind and hearts, but also our will to follow Christ, for the rest of our lives.

If your timidity is based on any fear of judgment due to being agnostic or due to not knowing much about Catholicism, please do your best to lay aside that fear. A person’s free will is very respected, and what you choose to do (as to whether you become Catholic or not, or how long you take to decide) is very respected.

You asked readers to share ideas – I have many, but I hope the above will do for now! Enjoy this adventure!

Very imformative!

 

[quiet52]

Thank you for the reading material. I’ve already downloaded both pdf’s. I am making a concerted effort to continue on with the prayer as I feel it’s important. I do appreciate you posting. One last question in terms of prayer, is there a prayer that can keep, well, demons I suppose, away from me? Is the “Our Father” you posted intended for that?

Thanks again for your advice and encouragement.

I’m so glad you’re already committed to prayer. It is absolutely essential in order to be an active Christian and to truly be at peace in this crazy world.

The “Our Father” is a series of petitions, ending in “deliver us from evil”, and would be a fine prayer to recite for many reasons. You would receive deeper instruction on the prayer during the RCIA process.

Asking for the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel is a good thing to do as we fight our daily spiritual battles. In addition to one of the formal prayers to him, sometimes, when I am “hard-hit” by temptations to sin, or when I am dwelling on negative and uncharitabe thoughts, and feel emotionally, physically and spiritually dog-weary and weak, I just slowly and repeatedly pray "St. Michael … St. Michael … " kind of like a mantra, with an occasional thank you and other informal prayer thrown in. I also invoke his help for others who seem stuck in darkness – “Help to save their souls, dear St. Michael, help free them from the clutches of Satan and his gang. Thank you for your love for God, thank you for loving us all. Help us to love God and to hate the Evil One and all that he represents. Fight for us all and protect us from evil, dearest archangel of the Lord.” That is an informal prayer – I’m trying to illustrate for you that we can use beautiful prayers written by others, or our own prayers, whether repeated or impromptu.

I have my list of favorite saints to whom I pray also, for various reasons and circumstances, including when I feel tempted to sin.

If you don’t yet understand why Catholics ask the angels and saints to intercede for us in prayer, don’t worry, you will learn. It is always okay to ask God directly for help in battling demons, using prayers of others or your own words (e.g., “God, cast away from me the evil one, help me to remain strong and to do good. Help me to persevere and help me to be at peace.”).

In fact, during the second and third stages of RCIA, the efforts of the Evil One to draw the catechumens away from God is frequently acknowledged, and there are prayers provided in the RCIA rites. When you meet with a priest, you might consider mentioning to him that you have sensed an evil force obstructing your efforts to learn about God and faith, and ask the priest to say a prayer over you. Here is one prayer led by a priest during one of the optional RCIA rites:

God of power,
who promised us the Holy Spirit through Jesus your Son,
we pray to you for these catechumens,
who present themselves before you.

Protect them from the spirit of evil
and guard them against error and sin,
so that they may become the temple of your Holy Spirit.

Confirm what we profess in faith,
so that our words may not be empty,
but full of grace and power
by which your Son has freed the world.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus understands the pain and difficulty of being tempted by the Evil One, Peterson04. Before He began His public ministry, he fasted and prayed for 40 days in the desert. The devil tested Jesus, but He did not yield to the devil. If you’re curious about the Scripture accounts, it’s mentioned three times: in Matthew 4:1-11 (the numbers mean chapter 4, verses 1 through 11), Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13 (usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm). With regard to our battling demons, here are some verses: James 4:7, Ephesians 6:11-20, and 1 Peter 5:8.

By the way, the pull of the devils is strong and our human will can seem weak. Please know that although demons want to be gods, they are not, and they are never as strong as God is. One reason we pray is because we believe in God’s active love for us. He respects the free will He created us with, but through the graces He freely gives us, He helps us to do what is right.

Lord God, help this seeker to be drawn to your goodness and to the truth and might and mercy of your love. Strengthen him for his battle against the demons who hate all that is good and who are greedy to rob souls from you. Guide Peterson in his quest to know you, help him to understand your boundless love for him, help him to love you and to know your nearness, Lord. Amen.

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

 

[quiet52]

I meant to include this link in my previous post.
I don’t fully understand the teachings on our personal guardian angels, but I believe 100% that I have one at my side. There have been times of danger, including risk of my death or someone else’s, when I have invoked the help of my guardian angel.

The Guardian Angel Prayer
ourcatholicprayers.com/guardian-angel-prayer.html

 

[Peterson04]

I’m so glad you’re already committed to prayer. It is absolutely essential in order to be an active Christian and to truly be at peace in this crazy world.

…

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

First off, thank you again for your continued advice and encouragement, it means a lot to me right now. Based on this thread alone I feel that it was worthwhile and wise of me to come here to talk with all of you. What I need the most right now (courage) is what I’m getting from all of this, and I thank you all again for your support.

Being raised Pentecostal I’m no stranger to the idea of spiritual warfare, however when you consider how long ago I’d given that up this is almost like an entirely new thing to me. It’s as if every day what I previously considered to be pathologically absurd is becoming a dawning revelation. The Pentecostal church I grew up in had a bad habit of blaming demons for everything, and seeing demons in everything. From what I understand the Catholic church at least attempts to rule out things like mental illness and attention seeking before attributing things to demons, so I very much appreciate that approach. In a similar vein, I also make every attempt not to jump to conclusions with things as a general precaution. I don’t want to be accused of having an unhealthy obsession with “darkness”, but I have to now balance that with not completely ruling those things out either (because the Church teaches that they do exist).

For someone who does not currently attend church and is only now beginning to pray, you can imagine how frightening the thought of being caught out in the wilderness, as it were, and realizing that there are predators around you can be. I consistently banish any thoughts of being possessed, or even oppressed as just paranoia. Unlike some folks who I think deep down crave that kind of special attention, I find the very idea terrifying and would never seek to prove something like that in my own life anyways.

I read that it is much healthier it to focus on Christ the Redeemer than to be afraid of the works and minions of Satan, so when the fear hits that’s where I turn to first. I don’t think about what dark things might be doing, rather, I focus on Jesus and trust He’ll make those things go away. That being said, I am capable of just as much fear and paranoia as anyone else which is why I asked if there are prayers that can drive dark forces away, and I appreciate the value of the St. Michael prayer after reading about it and actually using it this morning.

Speaking of which, I did start taking the time to say both the Lord’s Prayer and the St. Michael prayer in my car before work. At first it felt strange physically speaking the words, and I actually messed up the Lord’s Prayer on the first go (I tried memorizing them so I could say them with my eyes closed), but after I said them it was like I’d finally broken the ice. I’ve always had this strange desire to not physically speak prayers out loud, and I’m not sure if that’s even preferable to saying them in your head, but it seemed important enough to me to want to make sure I actually did it at least once. I found today that I much prefer saying prayers out loud, so I’ll continue in that fashion. Somehow I feel like saying them out loud helps validate why I’m saying them to begin with and distinguishes them from say, good intentions, wishes, or ideas. When I vocally prayed this morning I felt like I’d made a statement to anything that was trying to bother me, and that God knew I was serious. The rest, I am hoping, will come in time. The courage is building, and I feel like soon (perhaps even this weekend) I’ll give the parish a call.

On the tip of my lips right now and in the forefront of my mind is the realization that, despite my checkered past, I am starting to believe in Jesus again, and that realization is followed by a profound sense of joy. You are right that there is much in our way, as I feel like there are a million distractions out there right now trying to pull my time and attention away from this, but it’s not leaving me, which was my concern. The desire and the joy and the feelings I was looking for are slowly starting to be fulfilled, and that’s the green light I needed to know that this isn’t all fake, and that what I’m doing is important and matters.

Thanks again for your advice and encouragement. I’ll continue to keep you all posted on this journey as often as I can.

 

[quiet52]

First off, thank you again for your continued advice and encouragement, it means a lot to me right now. Based on this thread alone I feel that it was worthwhile and wise of me to come here to talk with all of you. What I need the most right now (courage) is what I’m getting from all of this, and I thank you all again for your support…

Peterson04 you are very gifted by God, to think and write so well, and to be so humble and forthright about your journey of faith. It has been a blessing for me to read your posts. I think most of us, no matter where we are at in our spiritual journeys, find that companionship strengthens our resolve to seek and to travel on the right path.

God helps us with that wonderful gift of courage. I often lack the courage I think I need in various circumstances, and this is one of the prayers I use (it’s in my prayer book):

Prayer for Courage
Dear God give me courage for, perhaps, I lack it more than anything else. I need courage before men against their threats and their seductions. I need courage to bear unkindness, mockery, contradiction; I need courage to fight against the devil, against terrors, troubles, temptations, attractions, darkness and false lights; against tears, depression, and above all, fear. I need Thy help, dear God. Strengthen me with Thy love and Thy grace. Console me with Thy blessed presence and grant me the courage to persevere until I am with Thee forever in heaven. Amen.

Being raised Pentecostal I’m no stranger to the idea of spiritual warfare, however when you consider how long ago I’d given that up this is almost like an entirely new thing to me. It’s as if every day what I previously considered to be pathologically absurd is becoming a dawning revelation. … I don’t want to be accused of having an unhealthy obsession with “darkness”, but I have to now balance that with not completely ruling those things out either (because the Church teaches that they do exist).

For someone who does not currently attend church and is only now beginning to pray, you can imagine how frightening the thought of being caught out in the wilderness, as it were, and realizing that there are predators around you can be…
**I read that it is much healthier it to focus on Christ the Redeemer than to be afraid of the works and minions of Satan, so when the fear hits that’s where I turn to first. I don’t think about what dark things might be doing, rather, I focus on Jesus and trust He’ll make those things go away. ** That being said, I am capable of just as much fear and paranoia as anyone else which is why I asked if there are prayers that can drive dark forces away, and I appreciate the value of the St. Michael prayer after reading about it and actually using it this morning

What I bolded is very insightful.

Yes! We need to focus on Christ, not on evil. If we become obsessed with fear of evil, we can succumb to despair, and can lose sight of the fact that God is all about love and goodness and that He is with us. He wants us to have hope in Him, and He wants to strengthen us so we can endure our trials with hearts full of love instead of fear.

But neither can we become indifferent or casual about demons, because doing so makes it easier to fall into their traps. Or remain in the traps without realizing we’re in them, like the proverbial frog boiled to death. We’re instructed by the Scriptures to be “watchful” because they do “lurk about” waiting to devour our souls. They don’t force us to sin (though I have kiddingly protested “The devil made me do it!”). But they can wrap evil in pretty packages and lure us to sin. It can be easy to fool ourselves that we’re seeking the God of joy when we’re actually seeking what we think are the joys of God. He does yearn for us to be joyful (that’s all over the place in the Bible), but as a result of, and not at the expense of, holiness and love. I am not so afraid of the devil as I am afraid of myself getting sidetracked, liking sin or feeling complacent about it, and forgetting to truly keep my sights on God, being in communion with Him, and rejoicing in Him.

I understand the fright of “wilderness” very well. Being a cradle Catholic does not mean I’ve been a fervent and faithful Catholic throughout my life. There have been times, especially one period of my life, when I let the ways and troubles of the world, and my self-centeredness, overwhelm me. It took much struggling and working with God to find my way out of it. Smaller desolations continue to creep into my life which constantly need to be worked through. Prayer, meditation on the Scriptures, and more fervent worship are especially essential for me to focus on God – He helps me to combat my fears and He strengthens me in spite of my weaknesses.

There are writings by saints who have told us to laugh at the devil – that wounds his pride, his greatest sin. I’m still not there yet – I hope some day I can be so intensely, confidently, and joyously in love with Jesus and totally pure in heart 24/7, that I’ll do this automatically every single time there is a pull from holiness.

Here are a couple of articles written by two very gifted priests:

The Strategy of the Devil in Demonic Temptations (Father John Hardon, deceased)
therealpresence.org/archives/Demonology/Demonology_001.htm
As St. Peter tells us (1 Peter 5:5-8) we are not to be afraid of the evil spirit. Why not? Because we have the grace of God, one of whose main purposes is to resist the machinations of the devil.

Laughing at Lucifer in Lent (Father Dwight Longenecker)
rcspiritualdirection.com/blog/2013/02/12/laughing-at-lucifer-in-lent#ixzz2SBDNs39s

 

[quiet52]

(from Peterson04) Speaking of which, I did start taking the time to say both the Lord’s Prayer and the St. Michael prayer in my car before work. At first it felt strange physically speaking the words, and I actually messed up the Lord’s Prayer on the first go (I tried memorizing them so I could say them with my eyes closed), but after I said them it was like I’d finally broken the ice. I’ve always had this strange desire to not physically speak prayers out loud, and I’m not sure if that’s even preferable to saying them in your head, but it seemed important enough to me to want to make sure I actually did it at least once. I found today that I much prefer saying prayers out loud, so I’ll continue in that fashion. Somehow I feel like saying them out loud helps validate why I’m saying them to begin with and distinguishes them from say, good intentions, wishes, or ideas. When I vocally prayed this morning I felt like I’d made a statement to anything that was trying to bother me, and that God knew I was serious. The rest, I am hoping, will come in time. The courage is building, and I feel like soon (perhaps even this weekend) I’ll give the parish a call.

On the tip of my lips right now and in the forefront of my mind is the realization that, despite my checkered past, I am starting to believe in Jesus again, and that realization is followed by a profound sense of joy. You are right that there is much in our way, as I feel like there are a million distractions out there right now trying to pull my time and attention away from this, but it’s not leaving me, which was my concern. The desire and the joy and the feelings I was looking for are slowly starting to be fulfilled, and that’s the green light I needed to know that this isn’t all fake, and that what I’m doing is important and matters.

Wow.
I am smiling, feeling privileged to know about your progress in prayer and feeling joyful with you and for you.

You know, there are saints who had very “checkered” pasts but who allowed God to heal them and lead them to holiness. Saint Paul, for example, was responsible for the persecution and even death of many early Christians. What an ignorant and misplaced hatred he had toward those “blasphemous” Christians – even Paul’s rabbi, the famous Rabbi Gamaliel, disagreed with Paul’s actions. Yet after his experience on the road to Damascus, where God revealed Himself to him, Paul loved God so much he was willing to suffer and even die for Him.

There is never a sin too big, and there are never too many sins, for Christ to forgive. During the RCIA process you will learn more about contrition and reconciliation – the healing that comes with our Lord’s forgiveness is a joyful and beautiful thing!

Saint Paul so wants us to know that “profound sense of joy” God gives us!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

 

[PJM]

=quiet52;10694706]I’m so glad you’re already committed to prayer. It is absolutely essential in order to be an active Christian and to truly be at peace in this crazy world.

The “Our Father” is a series of petitions, ending in “deliver us from evil”, and would be a fine prayer to recite for many reasons. You would receive deeper instruction on the prayer during the RCIA process.

Asking for the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel is a good thing to do as we fight our daily spiritual battles. In addition to one of the formal prayers to him, sometimes, when I am “hard-hit” by temptations to sin, or when I am dwelling on negative and uncharitabe thoughts, and feel emotionally, physically and spiritually dog-weary and weak, I just slowly and repeatedly pray "St. Michael … St. Michael … " kind of like a mantra, with an occasional thank you and other informal prayer thrown in. I also invoke his help for others who seem stuck in darkness – “Help to save their souls, dear St. Michael, help free them from the clutches of Satan and his gang. Thank you for your love for God, thank you for loving us all. Help us to love God and to hate the Evil One and all that he represents. Fight for us all and protect us from evil, dearest archangel of the Lord.” That is an informal prayer – I’m trying to illustrate for you that we can use beautiful prayers written by others, or our own prayers, whether repeated or impromptu.

I have my list of favorite saints to whom I pray also, for various reasons and circumstances, including when I feel tempted to sin.

If you don’t yet understand why Catholics ask the angels and saints to intercede for us in prayer, don’t worry, you will learn. It is always okay to ask God directly for help in battling demons, using prayers of others or your own words (e.g., “God, cast away from me the evil one, help me to remain strong and to do good. Help me to persevere and help me to be at peace.”).

In fact, during the second and third stages of RCIA, the efforts of the Evil One to draw the catechumens away from God is frequently acknowledged, and there are prayers provided in the RCIA rites. When you meet with a priest, you might consider mentioning to him that you have sensed an evil force obstructing your efforts to learn about God and faith, and ask the priest to say a prayer over you. Here is one prayer led by a priest during one of the optional RCIA rites:

Jesus understands the pain and difficulty of being tempted by the Evil One, Peterson04. Before He began His public ministry, he fasted and prayed for 40 days in the desert. The devil tested Jesus, but He did not yield to the devil. If you’re curious about the Scripture accounts, it’s mentioned three times: in Matthew 4:1-11 (the numbers mean chapter 4, verses 1 through 11), Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13 (usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm). With regard to our battling demons, here are some verses: James 4:7, Ephesians 6:11-20, and 1 Peter 5:8.

By the way, the pull of the devils is strong and our human will can seem weak. Please know that although demons want to be gods, they are not, and they are never as strong as God is. One reason we pray is because we believe in God’s active love for us. He respects the free will He created us with, but through the graces He freely gives us, He helps us to do what is right.

Lord God, help this seeker to be drawn to your goodness and to the truth and might and mercy of your love. Strengthen him for his battle against the demons who hate all that is good and who are greedy to rob souls from you. Guide Peterson in his quest to know you, help him to understand your boundless love for him, help him to love you and to know your nearness, Lord. Amen.

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

A further bit of very good advie:

Truth logically and factually must be singular per defiend Issue.

One God

Can; Did, and Does have ONLY One set of Faith beliefs
READ Mk 16:14-15 & Mt. 28:18-20 to see specifically and exclusively Christ Himself TRUSTED to Teach HIS truth.

Then read Mt. 10: 1-8 and see that We catholics Do so with God’s Power and Authority.

 

[HoosMommie]

Hello, and welcome! Regarding praying out loud, when I had my first Reconciliation (Confession), I had some pretty egregious sins to confess and had fretted and stewed for weeks about them. But when I confessed them and was given absolution it was the most incredible feeling of relief ever. When I got back to my car thoughts about those awful sins came flooding back into my head, so I prayed out loud for God to banish those thoughts from my mind. Then I said, again OUT LOUD, “Get thee behind me satan!” Because I wanted the devil to hear me and hear me well. Guess what? I can’t even form those thoughts any more. Mostly I pray silently but occasionally pray aloud, especially if it concerns something I want the devil to know I’m onto him about. Does that make sense at all?

I will be praying for you and here’s one to start

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

 

[PJM]

=Hoo(name removed by moderator)mie;10702659]Hello, and welcome! Regarding praying out loud, when I had my first Reconciliation (Confession), I had some pretty egregious sins to confess and had fretted and stewed for weeks about them. But when I confessed them and was given absolution it was the most incredible feeling of relief ever. When I got back to my car thoughts about those awful sins came flooding back into my head, so I prayed out loud for God to banish those thoughts from my mind. Then I said, again OUT LOUD, “Get thee behind me satan!” Because I wanted the devil to hear me and hear me well. Guess what? I can’t even form those thoughts any more. Mostly I pray silently but occasionally pray aloud, especially if it concerns something I want the devil to know I’m onto him about. Does that make sense at all?

I will be praying for you and here’s one to start

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

FRIENDS;

This IS a very CATHOLIC POST!

God’s continued Blessings!

 

[HoosMommie]

FRIENDS;

This IS a very CATHOLIC POST!

God’s continued Blessings!

Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how happy these words make me! I’ve been Catholic for 34 days :extrahappy:

 

[quiet52]

…I’ve been Catholic for 34 days :extrahappy:

Aw, congratulations Hoo(name removed by moderator)mie! May the gifts of faith, hope, love help you to always know our Lord’s joyful peace!

 

[ajecphotos]

God is definitely calling you.

He wants you to join his family. It is such a loving family.

When I walk through the church doors and into the church I feel so at peace and one with God. Also, prayer is a wonderful thing to do. Buy yourself a catholic prayer book.

God Bless you

 

[lil_one78]

I saw your post last week and was not able to submit my response for some unknown reason from my tablet. Your post weighed on me a little so I felt I need to give you a bit of encouragement. You are lucky to have a wife that you can talk to and discuss this and you will most likely take the journey with you. I am speaking from experience here - stepping into church just once made it easier to coming back the following week much easier. I attended RCIA, I think it helps you get to know new people who are on the same path but on different parts of their own journey to God. Also, if you your wife feels comfortable about talking about the religion and church, how does she feel about attending mass with you. I find that it was easier to go with someone to church who knows the order of mass or just for comfort of not doing it alone. I encourage you to go with your wife and or a friend. Once you feel comfortable talk to the RCIA leader for more direction.
Its a wonderful journey. I wish you the strength to walk that journey. God bless you and your wife.

 

[Kindness]

Hello OP I just wanted to say a little about prayer. All prayer and therefore the interest in and desire to pray comes from the Holy Spirit. So your tentative steps in prayer is God relating to you and drawing you into a relationship. There are also many, many forms of prayer. It sounds like you are familiar with traditional vocal prayer, such as saying the Our Father out loud. As a former Pentacostal you may have experienced people worshipping God in song and music. Another form of prayer is just to put yourself in God’s presence. Although you of course can do this anywhere as Catholics our theology is very incarnational. We acknowledge and respect our needs as embodied (with a body) beings. So we are very aware that our surroundings and the things in the surroundings can be very inducive to prayer, or not. That’s why we pay attention to buildings and sacramentals and have a concept of sacred space and time that is set apart for God.

I have a story I like that illustrates this from a British Rabbi called Lionel Blue. He said he was at an English airport one time and got chatting to a Christian lady (I can’t remember the denomination). They thought it would be a great idea to pray together and the woman suggested they go to the airport chapel (available for all faiths). Rabbi Blue said “Well, why don’t we just pray here as God is the same everywhere?” The lady replied “Well, God may be the same everywhere but I’m not!”.

As Catholics we believe that because of the nature of human beings it helps us to be aware of our physical needs and emotional and psychological responses.

I therefore would like to suggest a simple form of prayer you might like to try. Find a place in your home that is calm and peaceful - I usually sit on the sofa in my living room once the kids have gone to school. I then light a candle and then I put myself in God’s presence. I literally close my eyes and say internally “I put myself in your presence”. Then I sit quietly with God. As someone exploring faith it may feel odd, strange, empty, boring or peaceful and fulfilling but really it doesn’t matter what emotions you FEEL God will be working in you. Sometimes I can sit quietly for a long time in the presence of God doing nothing else. At other times I pick up the Bible that I have next to me and read that or other books such as the lives if the saints or anything about the faith. I also like to pray the “office” or the prayers of the church that are said everyday around the world. You can buy a subscription to Magnificat which is perfect for that (can someone post a link?).

Aim for 10 minutes a day to start and see where that takes you. In the silence listen to God while in His presence you may be surprised by what comes into your heart. Don’t worry about distractions, if you find your mind wandering just recollect yourself and refocus your soul on God. Although I would recommend you don’t have anything with you that could distract you from your purpose of prayer (iPad, phones, magazines not about the faith etc.)

Think about it. If God is real you really don’t have to do anything complicated to draw close to Him - just make yourself available. Sometimes I get what I call “A call to prayer” I get an internal prompting to pray, this can be at anytime or anywhere. What I will do is internally say “God I am lighting my inner candle” the candle I always light when I want to be in God’s presence is then internalized. So even if I am surrounded my people and noise I can place myself in God’s presence.

Although the ultimate prayer is the Mass and I would encourage you to go to Mass sooner rather than later.

God bless you and your wife.

 

[Peterson04]

I’d like to thank all of you for not only providing good advice, but for your kindness as well. It wasn’t easy reaching out for help but the responses have been overwhelmingly positive and helpful. I’ve started praying in the mornings now, mostly asking for guidance. As some of you had suggested I start with the Lord’s Prayer, then say the Saint Michael Prayer, and then spend a moment reflecting before saying a more personal prayer asking for help essentially “coming home”. My days, I believe, are much brighter for beginning starting them in this way.

My wife has been very supportive. She’s not as interested in it as I am, but she concedes that she does feel like I’m doing the hard work here and she will follow my lead and support me the whole way. Going from non-belief to belief isn’t easy, and there are a number of positions and doctrines that can be difficult to support at times, but I’m doing my best to keep my focus on God and the Church. I think it was a mistake in my thinking before to think I had to be perfected in some way, or that I had to wholly agree with every position of the Catholic Church to be a Catholic or go to church. Obviously if that were the case there would be no Catholics, since everyone is an ongoing work in progress.

As for attending mass, I’m looking at it on my calendar and for some reason NOW things are popping up on Sundays for us. Sundays have traditionally been free days for us. We’ve never had plans or obligations scheduled on a Sunday, so I find it odd (not to mention irritating) that we’re receiving calls to go out on Sunday, suddenly our dog has a vet appointment on Sunday, you name it and there seems to be a number of inconvenient hurdles popping up on Sunday mornings. I’m beginning to see these things for what they are; however fighting them is definitely a new thing. I did not realize until recently how cunning the things that want to keep us away from God are.

I have these images in my mind of what early Christianity was like. I can imagine these individuals so touched and moved by Jesus that they start new lives, and live in these communities dedicated to his teachings and Church, and I very much want that. It’s just an ongoing effort to not slip back into my old way of life in which I am submerged in sin. I wish there was an easier way to transition as it were from the old life to the new, but perhaps that difficulty is necessary. The majority of my friends are atheists, many of whom are alcoholics or habitual recreational drug users. My entire family is protestant with some rather ignorant and longstanding anti-Catholic bias. Yet here I am, waking up every day and praying and wanting to go to mass. I’m preparing for the bumpy road ahead, but I won’t lie, it is a bit intimidating. Still though, my heart tells me I’m doing the right thing, so I take comfort in that.

 

[Kindness]

You’ll be happy to hear that the liturgy for Sunday starts the evening before so you can go to Saturday evening mass at almost any Catholic parish.