Trouble with the Sorrowful Mysteries

[alexandratm]

I was hoping to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from you all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I love praying the Rosary - it’s what lead me to the Catholic Church (soul-searching newbie who’s starting RCIA here). I started out by praying without the mysteries, but in the past few weeks, have added meditation on the mysteries while I pray. For the most part, it’s helped my prayers.

However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

 

[fred_conty]

I was hoping to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from you all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I love praying the Rosary - it’s what lead me to the Catholic Church (soul-searching newbie who’s starting RCIA here). I started out by praying without the mysteries, but in the past few weeks, have added meditation on the mysteries while I pray. For the most part, it’s helped my prayers.

However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

What matters is the heart and it sounds like you got it. The sufferings of Jesus is THE motivator for melting our will into his, for knowing how much he loves us, to appreciate his goodness, and avoid sins. And now you know what Mary went thru.

May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.

 

[DL82]

I was hoping to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from you all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I love praying the Rosary - it’s what lead me to the Catholic Church (soul-searching newbie who’s starting RCIA here). I started out by praying without the mysteries, but in the past few weeks, have added meditation on the mysteries while I pray. For the most part, it’s helped my prayers.

However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

‘Pray as you can, not as you cannot’ - I have tracked down a number of conflicting stories on who this quote is attributed to, but whoever said it said something wise.

Catholic teaching commends us to offer up our sufferings, joined to those of Christ. In Colossians 1:24, Paul says that in his body he makes up for what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. Now, of course, NOTHING is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. By his wounds, we are healed. What is lacking, figuratively, is that we haven’t yet shared these things with Him.

There are different spiritualities within Catholicism, that is why it is all-embracing. Some (e.g. the Passionist religious order) focus on the outward suffering and imagery of the sorrowful mysteries. This is the kind of spirituality of the movie The Passion of the Christ, for example, and one of the meditations Fr Vincent Serpa often shares here on CAF draws on this tradition, considering the wounds and the agony of Christ.

This is not the only way to understand the mystery of the cross, however. If we look at the iconography of the Eastern Church, for example, the emphasis is always on Christ’s victory, and even on the cross, Christ is portrayed almost dancing, without the emphasis on scourged flesh or mental torment sometimes seen in Western art. Perhaps you could focus on the words of the great hymn in Philippians 2:
Being in the form of God [He] thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant
being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.
He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.
For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names:
That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:
And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Note that St Paul’s emphasis here is not on the number of times Christ fell on the hard stony ground, nor on the cruelty of his scourging, as though there was a particular amount of His blood that had to be spilled to make full account for our sins, otherwise we would have to be thankful for the cruelty of His captors, which would be a terrible terrible misunderstanding.

It is His humility and obedience, not the graphic nature of His suffering that accomplishes our salvation.

Perhaps this shift in focus will make the Sorrowful mysteries more meaningful for you, without in any way removing the grim reality and the scandal of the cross. Of course, prayer should move us, and being moved to tears is a great grace, but it should never disturb us or cause us to lose peace or be afraid of praying.

 

[InLight247]

Sorrowful Mysteries help us to remember the ultimate sacrifice our Lord made for us. Instead of concentrating on the graphics, we can dwell on the fruits. The first mystery, the Agony in the Garden is for our contrition, sorrow for our sins. The second mystery, the Scourging at the Pillar is related to mortification and purification. The third mystery, the Crowning with Thorns is to do with moral courage, standing up for our faith. The fourth mystery, the Carrying of the Cross tells us to carry our own crosses. The fifth mystery, the Crucifixion is our salvation and perseverance.

 

[JRKH]

I was hoping to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from you all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I love praying the Rosary - it’s what lead me to the Catholic Church (soul-searching newbie who’s starting RCIA here). I started out by praying without the mysteries, but in the past few weeks, have added meditation on the mysteries while I pray. For the most part, it’s helped my prayers.

However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

Actually - I think you are already focused on what really matters.

Father Barron, in his Catholicism series, referred to the “domesticated Jesus”. When he used it he was referring to the tendency to play down or not recognize just how radical Jesus truly is and what belief in Jesus demands of one.
But I think that the idea fits here as well.
I must admit that, as a cradle Catholic, we prayed the rosary growing up and I have never had the sort of response to the sorrowful mysteries that you describe. In a sense - I think that I suffer a bit from that “domestication”, or familiarity, and so generally don’t experience anything physical in relation to any of the mysteries.
Perhaps I would be a better Catholic if I were able to experience what you experience.

Sorry I can’t be of more help…

Peace
James

 

[CaptFun]

CaptFun responds in RED

I was hoping to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from you all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I love praying the Rosary - it’s what lead me to the Catholic Church (soul-searching newbie who’s starting RCIA here). I started out by praying without the mysteries, but in the past few weeks, have added meditation on the mysteries while I pray. For the most part, it’s helped my prayers. And it will get better from here. You may have learned the secret.

However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries.You are down to just one struggle? I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. THEN, when you do them, you are probably doing the VERY well! If the casual counting of the prayers was your focus and you had no feelings about those images, it might be more comfortable (which we DO tend to prefer … but certainly not BETTER./COLOR]

It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Actually. It sounds like you HAVE pushed past those feelings and emotions and discomfort – and did them anyway. HOW did you do it? I don’t know, but you may have really joined Jesus a bit in His “Agony in the Garden” when He was on His knees, upset and considering terrible things, wondering if what He was about to go through could somehow be … delayed? Avoided?

But He went through that Agony and the pain to come for us. We ARE to be united (in a much smaller way) to Him as we carry our “crosses” … and almost the least of those is getting through the Sorrowful Mysteries and the attendant 17 minutes or so on our knees. IF we do them on our knees.

These mysteries ARE the most painful for us as WE have made Jesus “go through” all that in having to save us. Offering OUR suffering(s) to the Lord - including a bit of whatever shame, regret, upsets to the stomach or unsettlings of our minds - is being joined to Him in OUR part of the covenant. Our part of “following Him”.

You may be sorely tempted NOT to do the Sorrowful Mysteries … especially since you appear to be doing them so WELL as to have it make profound changes in you … but that is because you are being particularly holy at precisely those times. And people being holy get opposed by temptations.

Perhaps you should go right on through and say the Glorious Mysteries right away after the Sorrowful Mysteries. Even Jesus knew the Glorious victories were coming … and who knows … may have been part of the strength He drew upon to accomplish the victory of the Cross. And the cross WAS (and is) a victory let us remember. :sad_yes:

Any tips on how to focus on what matters? THAT is apparently NOT what you need to do. You ARE focusing on what really matters and are taking it to heart. Most of our greatest moments come with a bit of pain. What you might do to ADD to the good you are doing when you pray precisely those Sorrowful Mysteries … is to dedicate that (difficult for you to do) prayer for intentions. Prayer for others. Living, or those you think might be undergoing final purifications unto heaven … and needing you now.

Those prayers would seem to me to be very powerful (a sacrifice on your part and VERY unselfish). And would remain so even if you prayed a petition for yourself (a worthy one).

Some people go all their lives praying rosaries and not getting deep insights or being open to them. You seem to have a gift. And experiencing what you do in the Sorrowful mysteries is perhaps the highest level of holiness possible from the meditations.

But I DO hope you are able to one day find soaring Joy in the Joyful Mysteries and bliss in the Glorious Mysteries and exciting enlightenment in the Luminous Mysteries in a similar fashion. If you are not already.

But for prayer that will help others, what you feel when praying the Sorrowful Mysteries might be the best sacrifice and the most fruitful set of mysteries for you to do.

Thanks Alexandratm.

 

[Gabriel_Serafin]

I
However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

The suffering and crucifixion of Christ is God’s way of showing us the horror of our sins and the love He has for us. Since we bring sin into the world through our bodies, so Christ took upon Himself these sins; for example the crown of thorns in reparation for evil thoughts and pride; the nails through His hands in reparation for the evil we do with our hands, etc. Here is a video that will walk you through these mysteries and uplift you into loving God more and more

 

[Gabriel_Serafin]

I
However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

The suffering and crucifixion of Christ is God’s way of showing us the horror of our sins and the love He has for us. Since we bring sin into the world through our bodies, so Christ took upon Himself these sins; for example the crown of thorns in reparation for evil thoughts and pride; the nails through His hands in reparation for the evil we do with our hands, etc. Here is a video that will walk you through these mysteries and uplift you into loving God more and more

 

[RayonGama]

I was hoping to get some (name removed by moderator)ut from you all about the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. I love praying the Rosary - it’s what lead me to the Catholic Church (soul-searching newbie who’s starting RCIA here). I started out by praying without the mysteries, but in the past few weeks, have added meditation on the mysteries while I pray. For the most part, it’s helped my prayers.

However, I’m struggling with the Sorrowful Mysteries. I have to try and talk myself into doing them, and often I stop before I get through them, because I find the imagery and suffering in them to be so disturbing and heart rendering. It makes me upset to my stomach, or cry, and really unsettles my mind. I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

That is absolutely normal. You have mercy and compassion toward Jesus. Meditating the passion is one of the hardest thing for Christians. According to the spiritual exercices of St-Ignace.

And Jesus was telling to St-Faustina that meditating his sorrofull passion was the fastest way to advance in spiritual life.

Meditating rosary can be tough. I do it with a youtube video on rosary. The one at Lourdes, in French.

this is a camera 24/7 It’s beautyfull.
en.lourdes-france.org/tv-lourdes/

 

[LilyPearls]

You could try meditating on smaller aspects of each mystery. For example, instead of meditating on the entirety of the scene of the Scourging, you could think about the perspective of Mary during the scourging, or the perspective of the ropes/chains that held Jesus to the pillar (if an inanimate object could have a perspective). Instead of meditating on the scene in the garden you could think about the exact moment of the kiss from Judas. You could think about the scene from Judas’ perspective, or the perspective of the soldiers (especially the one whom Peter attacked). Instead of thinking about the crucifixion as a whole you can think about when Jesus submitted and laid himself down onto the cross instead of being forced, or the nails and what they represent before their use and/or after Jesus was taken down from the cross. Perhaps by thinking about very specific moments or objects within each mystery, you wont be so overwhelmed.

 

[alexandratm]

Drat! I had posted a reply to this thread yesterday, but it appears to have disappeared into the ether. Such is the internet. Trying to remember what I’ve written - thank you all for your responses so far.

‘Pray as you can, not as you cannot’ - I have tracked down a number of conflicting stories on who this quote is attributed to, but whoever said it said something wise.

Catholic teaching commends us to offer up our sufferings, joined to those of Christ. In Colossians 1:24, Paul says that in his body he makes up for what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. Now, of course, NOTHING is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. By his wounds, we are healed. What is lacking, figuratively, is that we haven’t yet shared these things with Him.

There are different spiritualities within Catholicism, that is why it is all-embracing. Some (e.g. the Passionist religious order) focus on the outward suffering and imagery of the sorrowful mysteries. This is the kind of spirituality of the movie The Passion of the Christ, for example, and one of the meditations Fr Vincent Serpa often shares here on CAF draws on this tradition, considering the wounds and the agony of Christ.

This is not the only way to understand the mystery of the cross, however. If we look at the iconography of the Eastern Church, for example, the emphasis is always on Christ’s victory, and even on the cross, Christ is portrayed almost dancing, without the emphasis on scourged flesh or mental torment sometimes seen in Western art. Perhaps you could focus on the words of the great hymn in Philippians 2:
Being in the form of God [He] thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant
being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.
He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.
For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names:
That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:
And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Note that St Paul’s emphasis here is not on the number of times Christ fell on the hard stony ground, nor on the cruelty of his scourging, as though there was a particular amount of His blood that had to be spilled to make full account for our sins, otherwise we would have to be thankful for the cruelty of His captors, which would be a terrible terrible misunderstanding.

It is His humility and obedience, not the graphic nature of His suffering that accomplishes our salvation.

Perhaps this shift in focus will make the Sorrowful mysteries more meaningful for you, without in any way removing the grim reality and the scandal of the cross. Of course, prayer should move us, and being moved to tears is a great grace, but it should never disturb us or cause us to lose peace or be afraid of praying.

This was very helpful, and now I’m interesting in researching more Eastern iconography. Definitely something to look into.

Actually - I think you are already focused on what really matters.

Father Barron, in his Catholicism series, referred to the “domesticated Jesus”. When he used it he was referring to the tendency to play down or not recognize just how radical Jesus truly is and what belief in Jesus demands of one.
But I think that the idea fits here as well.
I must admit that, as a cradle Catholic, we prayed the rosary growing up and I have never had the sort of response to the sorrowful mysteries that you describe. In a sense - I think that I suffer a bit from that “domestication”, or familiarity, and so generally don’t experience anything physical in relation to any of the mysteries.
Perhaps I would be a better Catholic if I were able to experience what you experience.

Sorry I can’t be of more help…

Peace
James

I’ve always had a soft heart, and I have the same reaction to those ASPCA commercials with the abused dogs and Sarah McLachlan playing in the background they show on tv. The suffering of innocents seems to really gut me. So I don’t know if it’s really a cradle vs. convert thing, or more of a personal quirk for me thing.

 

[ccmcmg]

The Sorrowful Mysteries are the toughest ones for me too, because it’s my sins that caused Him to die for me. Ouch. The Passion makes me break down every time, and I’m even getting tears in my eyes typing this.

If you struggle with the Sorrowful Mysteries, try praying the Divine Mercy sometimes (it’s on my blog if you need simple instructions, or via the Laudate app for your phone). I was sobbing by the time I had barely completed two decades of it, the first time I said it independently from the Drew Mariani show or my app.

Peace,

 

[Brigid34]

It was so good to hear from many of you that you also have these feelings when you pray the Sorrowful Mysteries. I thought I was strange and the only one. Thank you. I appreciate also your words of wisdom.

 

[The_Reginator]

The Sorrowful Mysteries have actually brought me the greatest blessings.

That began during Lent 2012. I had read on some website that (traditionally) the Sorrowful Mysteries were contemplated upon everyday, including Sundays, during Lent. I tried that.
There were two results.

Firstly, I began to accept that my sins caused Jesus’ suffering in the garden to be even worse.
My sins added to His scourging – I could think of my sins as adding another, or a deeper, wound to His most precious Body.
Each of my sins mocks what should have been a royal crown rather than a mocking crown of thorns. And Each time I sin I add another thorn or press those thorns in deeper and with more pain for my Saviour.
My sins make His cross harder to carry.
My sins make up part of each nail that pierced His flesh.

Secondly, what I found to be even more profound, was the amazing idea that each Mystery shows His infinite love for each one of us. Concentrate on how much Love is shown in each decade of the Rosary. Incredible!
(I now find that I especially appreciate a simple crucifix, like the ones typically found on a Rosary because I see LOVE HIMSELF hanging on the cross.)

For me the Sorrowful Mysteries have become very inspirational.

I hope some of this helps you alexandratm.

God be with you!

• Reg.

 

[BigRedpg51]

Reginator, you may not believe me, but I wish I could meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries like you do. You are already meditating on what is important…and your concentration and tears (as a result) will lead you into an even deeper meditation called “contemplation”.

Contemplation is not something that we can do. It is totally a gift from God. It will give you deeper insights into what Jesus was suffering, why He was suffering, what was going on when He was suffering, what would have happened if He had not suffered, how much His suffering shows His love for us, how suffering is intrinsically linked to love, etc.

Don’t shy away from the Sorrowful Mysteries. Instead…embrace them. God receives so much glory when you empathize with the suffering of His Son!

 

[J_Peterson]

I have the opposite problem. I feel nothing emotionally when I pray them. I wish I could connect to them like others do but, outside of a few isolated instances, I can’t. They say emotions aren’t important so I just do the best I can.

 

[nancy0520]

I understand. I went through a period of cringing every time I meditated on the Sorrowful Mysteries because I knew how awful I would feel during and after the rosary. However, I have come to actually now look forward to meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries because I know I will be blessed with a new insight about the Passion and those insights will help me become a better person.

Based on the recommendation in someone else’s post, I too recommend focusing on something specific within each Mystery. Sometimes I put myself in Mary’s shoes and imagine what it must have felt like to helplessly watch your son be tortured, mocked, humiliated, and murdered. Could I have remained silent and prayerful like she did or would I have been consumed with revenge and lashed out? Am I capable of showing Her great strength, wisdom, and prudence? Inevitably, I’m overwhelmed with grief and empathy so I tell Mary how sorry I am she had to experience that. The closeness you can feel to Our Lady in those moments is indescribable, so don’t cheat yourself from experiencing those moments with Her.

Other times, I put myself in the shoes of one of the apostles. I have wept with shame and disappointment imagining what Peter and Judas must have felt over their actions. It has given me a much greater appreciation for the mercy and love of Jesus. And then I ask myself, am I capable of showing that level of mercy and love to those who betray me? How can I do a better job?

Other times, I try to put myself in Jesus’ shoes. It allows me to understand and appreciate on a much deeper level how he truly does understand all my experiences and emotions. What a great comfort it is to know you are not alone and your prayers fall on the ears of someone who has been there and is with you through your pain.

So, IMHO, don’t dread the experiences that await you in the Sorrowful Mysteries or in any of the Mysteries. It’s God’s way of developing you to become the even more amazing person you are meant to be.

 

[LongingSoul]

I can understand on a logical level why we are supposed to meditate on these things, but how do you push past that discomfort and upset to really pray? Any tips on how to focus on what matters?

As others have said, you are really praying. I also find the meditation on the Sorrows heartwrenching, especially the agony in Gethsemane. Some of that distress could be to do with a feeling of helplessness at being there but not being able to do anything to help Jesus. But this is where you can step further into the picture. It’s told that when Jesus is in the garden suffering such deep distress, an angel appeared and gave Him comfort when His friends were letting Him down. In that same way, we, with our knowledge of what Jesus suffering, death and resurrection has really done for us, are really able to be there with Him in that human moment and say “Lord, look at the wonderful gift you have given us! We know and we are filled with gratitude for everything You have done.” Our comfort of Him is not just empty platitudes… we actually know what He did and how it has shaped the world. When I’m there, I feel maternally towards Jesus and feel that my comfort could in some small way be the comfort that Mary could have brought her Son were she there in that moment. That pain He is in, for some reason haunts me moreso than the physical pains He is to endure over the next days.

Try and give your presence to these moments fully assured of your importance to Jesus and Mary by doing so.

 

[Veronica97]

I usually focus on the fruits of each mystery, which for the Sorrowful Mysteries are the following:

Agony in the Garden = Sorrow for sins
Scourging at the Pillar = Purity
Crowning with Thorns = Courage
Carrying of the Cross = Patience
Crucifixion = Perseverance

Often times I’m praying the Sorrowful mysteries for somone specifically–usually someone who has fallen away from the Church or someone who doesn’t know Jesus. On the Our Fathers, I think of the mystery. Then on the Hail Mary’s I pray for the person to have the fruits of the mystery. So say I’m praying for “Sally”. I’ll pray things like (first mystery) “That Sally may have true contrition for her sins” or “That the Holy Spirit will convict Sally of her sins.” (second mystery) “That Sally will be pure of mind, body, heart and soul.” Or “That Sally will be delivered from alcoholism/sins of the flesh/etc.” (third mystery) “That Sally will have the courage to seek the Truth.” or “That Sally will be able to stand up against peer pressure.” (fourth mystery) “That Sally will lovingly bear the crosses that Jesus has given her for her salvation.” or “That Sally will seek Jesus to help her carry her crosses.” (fifth mystery) “That Sally will see Jesus’s loving gaze from the cross.” or “That Sally will accept the salvation that Christ is offering her.”

 

[The_Reginator]

There have been many great responses here!
Today I’d like to briefly focus in on this thought:

As others have said, you are really praying. I also find the meditation on the Sorrows heartwrenching, especially the agony in Gethsemane. Some of that distress could be to do with a feeling of helplessness at being there but not being able to do anything to help Jesus. But this is where you can step further into the picture. It’s told that when Jesus is in the garden suffering such deep distress, an angel appeared and gave Him comfort when His friends were letting Him down. In that same way, we, with our knowledge of what Jesus suffering, death and resurrection has really done for us, are really able to be there with Him in that human moment and say “Lord, look at the wonderful gift you have given us! We know and we are filled with gratitude for everything You have done.” Our comfort of Him is not just empty platitudes… we actually know what He did and how it has shaped the world. When I’m there, I feel maternally towards Jesus and feel that my comfort could in some small way be the comfort that Mary could have brought her Son were she there in that moment. That pain He is in, for some reason haunts me moreso than the physical pains He is to endure over the next days.

Try and give your presence to these moments fully assured of your importance to Jesus and Mary by doing so.

The Second Person of the Holy Trinity lives outside of time. Our prayers, I’ve often thought, are not necessarily constrained by time. Why, indeed, not join our prayers with those of the holy angels in comforting our Lord? That is something to consider. (Maybe these ideas should be checked with a spiritual director to ensure that we are not thinking falsely.)

[When I was about 12 and had started to read the bible almost regularly I was suddenly prompted to pray for Saint Stephen as he was being stoned to death.]