What's your plan?

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Sheepless

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So many books to read, so many novenas that could be prayed, so many meditations…

What is your plan for improving your spiritual life? Have you ever planned out a year, 5 years, a decade?

Thanks in advance!
 
My gosh! I haven’t planned that far ahead! I’m lucky if I know what’s going on next week!
 
I never had much of a plan until the year before last. I dedicated the entire year to the 15 Prayers of St. Bridget on the Passion of Our Lord. In addition, I tried to say at least three rosaries (Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous or Glorious) every day.
This year I have dedicated the entire year to the Sorrows of Mary on the Passion of Our Lord. And say at least three rosaries every day.
I have learned to make my whole day a prayer offering. Sometimes just getting through a day is the best I can do…
I’m lucky my mother had tons of devotion booklets that she had collected over the years. In January, I’ll pick another devotion and concentrate on that. The spirit sort of leads me… For example, I have discovered how important it is to read the bible every day in a prayerful way. I enjoy this so much at the end of my day, before night prayers.

What’s everyone else do???
 
I’m in a pastoral group that just started in September. I plan to take that and see where it leads. After a year or two of that, one can start teaching others. I think that can go for, I think…12 years, at most? We’ll see, as I say.

I might also look around for a Bible study to supplement this.

I have an apologetics book, but I’ve read it more as a reference. I like using the forum and once in a while will also listen to Archangel Radio, especially their Open Mike times.

I read the Bible for the first time, cover to cover (in Spanish!) a few months ago. I got a book to help me try to understand it.

I bought a copy of an encyclical, but I had some trouble with it. So, I might give it to someone else and try something else, instead.

I have a couple surgeries coming up so will probably have some “down” time where I’ll probably look on the Catholic Answers Forum, as usual.

I find I have never been able to make longrange planning work. My life has needed to be more flexible to accommodate changing circumstances.
 
In 10 years.

Get my college degree in history,

Get involved with things going on in my diocese so I can get to meet new people.
Join Knights of Columbus
Help out with the Eastern Catholic churches
Join the Society of Jesus
 
  1. Read the Bible every day
  2. I began a Devotion to the Drops of Blood Lost by our LORD on His Way to Calvary on July 5, 2012. It is a 3-year devotion and honestly, I am not praying it for myself but for my family members and their salvation. I mention them by name followed by the prayers.
  3. I have 2 hrs. scheduled in Adoration each week
  4. I fast as the LORD leads me
  5. I pray novenas in the evening as the LORD leads me … usually Mary Untier of Knots or Divine Mercy.
  6. I would like to attend a daily mass at least once a week. Sometimes if our priest is out of town, the visiting priest offers it at a time I cannot go so I am not always able to.
 
Great question!

I attempt to go to daily Mass each day. I think it’s a great habit, it cultivates much joy in me, it frees me from some of my worldliness, and helps me be more concerned about the things of Heaven. I have to make sure it’s not just “something I do” but rather that I go with devotion and not out of habit.

I try to say the Rosary each day as well. Sadly, I end up saying it in the car during my commute and sometimes I am distracted while trying to pray it while driving.

I do other things as the Spirit leads but I find if I go to Mass and say the Rosary each day that’s a great start. I am always open to suggestions.
 
5 - year plan:
Complete my formation as a Lay Carmelite and take my permanent vows.
This includes:
LOTH - Morning, Evening, and Night prayer daily
Rosary daily as best I can
Daily mass as best I can
Daily Lectio Divina
Monthly studies on Carmelite spirituality
Yearly retreats
 
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