Prayer in times of desolation Prayer, all forms of prayer, when practiced when in deep desolation is in fact perhaps one of the most difficult disciplines that we can do. For in prayer, we allow the light of God into our hearts consciously. Even when we fail, if we try to pray, we can grow because we learn of our dependence on God’s mercy, which is ongoing. The danger is getting tired of returning, of the ongoing conversion that we are all called to. It all about relationship. Either with God or closing in on ourselves and making ourselves the only arbiter on what is good or bad, right or wrong. --Br.MD
Desolation can be a difficult place to be: spiritual aridity, dryness etc. It can be very tough praying during those times when the "well" runs dry. I think Saint Theresa of Avila talks about it, and how the "well" eventually begins to "draw of itself" in due course, or something to that effect from what I have read of her. Must get about reading some of her works sometime. Got a book of hers on Kindle a few years ago during a particularly desolate time. She describes various stages of the spiritual path. Not sure what stage I'm at, still probably what Saint John of the Cross calls a "beginner", though there does seem to be some progress (hopefully). Just want to be able to help and be of use to others in the future as much as possible, perhaps as a Priest .
I know what you mean...spiritual aridity & dryness during prayer & the Rosary is disheartening. I went through a period of that after feeling such fervency. I actually spoke to my priest during confession about this when I was feeling this. What I learned about myself (with help from my Pastor) during that session was that I had become such a prayer warrior especially praying for others that I forgot the reason and the true motivation for praying should have primarily been for love of Jesus. I had diminished my praying somewhat to a duty (a duty I loved) but still a duty. Also, sometimes I would get discouraged because people I prayed for was still sick or dying....so maybe a little pride of mine was hurt that God didn’t answer my intercession prayers. So.....my Pastor told me to take a little break from praying so hard...and when I do pray to just do it in adoration and love of God!!! It worked!!!!! ❤️
