Spiritual Drought

[Lauren_Elisse]

I feel like I'm quite literally in the middle of a spiritual drought, it feels very dry.
My prayers feel empty even with meditation.
And I mean and try to feel everything that I ask for and I pray just as much and maybe even more, but after the prayer it feels like nothing was ever said.

[John of the North]

"Do not be cast down over the struggle--the Lord loves a brave warrior. The Lord loves the soul that is valiant" - St. Siloan the Athonite

[Feanor]

Do some LSD, have an incredible life-changing spiritual experience, and then return to normal life spiritually regenerated.

EDIT: Actually, no. Don't do drugs. Nonetheless, some sort of spiritual experience could be just what you need. I find such experiences in prayer, in the liturgy, in the ecclesiastical chant of the Orthodox Church, and in studying theology. There have literally been times when the beauty of the liturgy has nearly reduced me to tears - during the Bridegroom Matins on Holy Tuesday, I was utterly blown away by the choir's powerful chanting of the Alleluiarion. As I listened to those powerful voices chant that incredible inspired melody all I could think about was my love for God, and all I could feel was the most incredible assurance of God's existence (something which I need, because I often struggle with doubts, unfortunately). Once after a theology class I stayed back to talk to the lecturer (A Catholic priest) about some of the things which had been discussed in the class, and I left feeling overwhelmed with love for God and passion for my spirituality.

Also, good works bring about spiritual passion, as Tolstoy could surely tell you in his book 'Resurrection.'

[Punch]

I feel like I'm quite literally in the middle of a spiritual drought, it feels very dry.
My prayers feel empty even with meditation.
And I mean and try to feel everything that I ask for and I pray just as much and maybe even more, but after the prayer it feels like nothing was ever said.

Do not let it bother you.  According to my Godfather, a monk in the ROCOR, prayer is often most beneficial when you feel just as you do now.  By continuing your prayers when the feeling is dead, you pray for the sake of praying and not because it makes you feel good.  Rejoice that you are being tempted this way.  The devil does not tempt those that are his.

[Salpy]

The word for this is accidie:

http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,14479.msg206002.html#msg206002 

Just continue to pray as best you can.

[Gebre Menfes Kidus]

I hope that one day you will become like me. Every time I pray I experience the radiance of divine light. All my troubles melt away, and I have no more worries. I feel the immediate presence of God, and I have great peace. I know that my prayers will be quickly answered, and sometimes I can see the halo above my head. When I finish praying I go and shower my wife with kindness and sacrificial service. I instantly forgive all who have wronged me. All thoughts of lust and passion are dissipated, my body feels strengthened, and it feels like I am in the third heaven with St. Paul. This is what I experience every time I pray, read the Bible, fast, and attend the Divine Liturgy.

Yeah, right. If only...


Selam   

[Tags:]

OrthodoxChristianity.net > Moderated Forums > Faith Issues (Moderator: Michał Kalina) > Topic: Spiritual Drought