The importance of being earnest

Introduction to the Devout Life
Part II, chapters 1-9
English-Speaking Group 2
Caesar DIZON (Filippine), Joseph MINJA (Tanzania)

In our group we have shared on the following points.

• The importance of prayer and meditations; St. Francis is speaking to Filotea and telling about the importance of prayer. During prayer he reminds of trying to avoid all the destructions.
• One needs to feel the presence of God when he is praying and making meditation.
• The importance of inspirations.
• Teaching about the use of imagination and how to do it during prayer time.
• Importance of using brief and earnest words during prayer
• Importance of heavenly creatures such as guardian angels, Blessed Mary and the saints. Offering to God through them.
• Importance of using the images from the Gospels while making a prayer. Example the use of the image of the Cross.

Difficulties which we for saw.

• It is not easy to have the clear picture in mind of the image of God and pray to Him? Especially at the moments of difficulties, sickness among others.
• Very often we get distraction when praying because of the environment, thoughts, what has been going on in us…

What I think of these chapters….
They contain practical points for one’s prayer life. They are:

• The importance of the venue. It should be a quiet place and where one will not be disturbed.
• Beginning with the act of the Presence of God is critical because one is led into the state of prayer. After all, what is prayer if not encounter with God?
• One should not be a slave of the method.
• The use of the imagination is helpful. But it may work for some. It may not work for others.
• Resolution makes prayer a practical activity in the sense that resolution becomes the link of prayer to life.
• One should expect aridity. When that happens, stick to your prayer t