Comments on: How can I go deeper in my faith this Lent season?

By: What if I just don’t like to pray at all? - Catholic Spiritual Direction

What if I just don’t like to pray at all? - Catholic Spiritual Direction — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:03:45 +0000

[...] intrigued (and admittedly pleasantly surprised) at your #2 suggestion … in that I would have thought that anyone reading this blog would already be praying daily, [...]

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:24:23 +0000

I have started the book Inside the Passion, and it is amazing. It has given me information, and has made The Passion very personal to me. I used to look at this time of year as depressing, they tortured an innocent man who came to save the world! How wrong I was, because it wasn't just they, it was I. I know that I have forgotten that Jesus was a man, divine but still a man, and He had emotions just the same as everyone else. The amazing thing is that He went through the agony and torture for each one of us. This time for me is very mixed, sad for what He went through, but very joyous because of the love He has for each one of us! May He bless you all this Lenten season!

By: Genevieve40

Genevieve40 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:18 +0000

Maybe this isn't the place (or blog even) to post such a question, but what would you say to someone who doesn't really *like* praying? I'm not saying it should be enjoyable or entertaining, etc., but I never feel any desire to pray, and when I do pray it's just plain awkward and unpleasant, and motivated only out of some sense of obligation. I guess it would be a legit obligation ... but I just feel like I'm talking to myself. I've never had any sort of spiritual experience, while praying or otherwise. Plus, everything I've read seems to say that petionary forms of prayer are all-but off-limits; you shouldn't ask for anything. So I'm at a loss.

I'm intrigued (and admittedly pleasantly surprised) at your #2 suggestion ... in that I would have thought that anyone reading this blog would already be praying daily, and probably for way more than 5 minutes. I guess I overassumed..?

Anyway, I enjoy the interesting posts on this blog. I'm sorry if my question(s) were at all offensive ... I'm not Catholic. I'm just a heathen who's sort of entertaining the idea of converting... thus the reading Catholic blogs like this one.

By: danburke

danburke — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 22:56:45 +0000

You are welcome Glenn – Blessings on you and the work you are doing to extend the Kingdom!

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:22:29 +0000

Thank you, Dan. You are a true companion to me as I trod the pebbled path of Faith. With Jesus and your articles on my side. I won't give up. I fall, I wake up and move on. During Lent and Easter Season I also add Morning, Evening and Nigh Prayers from the Divine Office. God bless you

By: danburke

danburke — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:04:40 +0000

Dear Sharon in Christ – thank you for your encouraging words I am grateful to play even a small part in your encouragement! God bless you back!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:26:04 +0000

Thanks so much for this very “practical” guide to Lent, Dan! It's exactly what I needed… each year Lent comes and goes and although I want to capitalize on it with the best form possible, it comes and goes because I never formulate a solid plan. Thanks! This is great advice! God Bless you

By: danburke

danburke — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:04:26 +0000

Dear Cathy in Christ – thank you for your note! I pray that you will find the the fullness of the love that Christ is calling you to. It is obvious that he is at work in your heart and life. Keep following him.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:20:42 +0000

I already have The Better Part, and that has been very helpful. It is a fantastic resource to help people who have been away from the church (I have been away for 19 years and am struggling). I have made the commitment to read Inside the Passion, as the more I have an understanding, the more fear, and greater the love in my heart.