Prayer – Top 10 Reasons Not To (Part 3)
I simply do not have the time!
Dec 26
Last week I mentioned that one can actually measure spiritual “maturity” and spiritual “growth” by examining a person’s concrete behaviors as they model Matthew 22:37-40 in “loving God” and “loving neighbor.” This would involve a person’s spiritual beliefs and attitudes; a person’s spiritual practices; participation in organized church activities and spiritual and pastoral activities directed with and towards others.
One might naturally ask, “Well, in which stage am I?” A general description of the four spiritual “stages” are outlined below. In addition, the specific spiritual actions, activities and attitudes that need to be in place as a person moves from one spiritual stage to the next are provided as well.
Phase 1: A person EXPLORING CHRIST says, “I believe in God but I am not sure ab
out Jesus Christ” I am not sure if a human being can have a ‘personal relationship’ with a transcendent God. My faith is not a significant part of my life.”
A person EXPLORING CHRIST wants:
Next Steps They Need To Accomplish (“Catalysts” To Spiritual Growth)
Phase 2: A person GROWING IN CHRIST says, “I believe you can have a personal relationship with a transcendent God. I believe in Jesus Christ and I am working on what it means to get to know him.”
A person GROWING IN CHRIST wants:
Next Steps They Need To Accomplish (“Catalysts” To Spiritual Growth)
Phase 3: A person CLOSE TO CHRIST says, “I feel very close to Christ and depend on Him daily for guidance and support.”
A person CLOSE TO CHRIST wants (critically important):
Important but less so than 1. and 2. –
Next Steps They Need To Accomplish (“Catalysts” To Spiritual Growth)
Phase 4: A person who is CHRIST CENTERED says, “My relationship with God through Jesus Christ is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything that I do.”
A person who is CHRIST CENTERED wants (critically important):
Important but less so than 1, 2, or 3 above:
Having a sense of “which stage I am in” In January, St. Monica will roll-out three adult faith spiritual programs. Each will be targeted to people in different spiritual stages in their lives:
Further details about all three of these programs, including sign-up information, is forthcoming. We look forward to seeing you there!
Nothing has greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture and engagement/reception of the Eucharist.
"Lord, help me to overcome my distractions and my temptations."
This week we close the reflection by looking at “The Kindness of God.”
Liguorian Magazine featured an article by Jerome Kropp entitled, “The Top Ten Excuses Not To Pray.” A number of items listed by Kropp were mentioned by a number of people when we held our panel discussion on prayer earlier this year. Let’s look at five of the reasons this week and look at the top 5 next week.