Summary
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Reflective Study Guide Questions
“All that the beginner in prayer has to do . . . is to labor and be resolute and prepare himself with all possible diligence to bring his will into conformity with the will of God.”
St. Teresa of Avila
- When moving through any material used to meditate, it’s important to focus on it and not rush through it quickly. This time allows you to soak up what you’re reading or meditating on. It also allows you to reflect on how it speaks to you in your life circumstances. Many people stay in their pew after Mass for this reason alongside praying in thanksgiving for Mass. What’s another way that you can offer more of your time to the Lord?
- Sometimes God will bring to our minds the faults and flaws within ourselves that we need to work on, and then He gives us the strength to work on those. What is a fault or flaw within yourself that you’re noticing more of lately? What’s something you can do this Lent to improve on that?
- Contemplation is a gift that God gives to those who desire Him. We have to prepare ourselves to receive it. How can you demonstrate to the Lord your desire to receive Him and this gift?
- There will come a time in your prayer life that may feel or seem emotionless. Matthew Leonard suggests this is a time when the Lord is teaching you to seek after Him no matter what you feel or however distant He may seem. Have you already experienced this? Can you see how the Lord was using that time to bring you closer to Him? Did you benefit in any way from it? Did you grow in faith from that experience? Remember you’re not alone when this happens. You have good company as many of the greatest saints also experienced this dryness, like Mother Teresa.
About Matthew Leonard
Matthew Leonard is an internationally known speaker, author, podcaster, filmmaker, and Vice President of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology (founded by Dr. Scott Hahn). A convert to Catholicism and former missionary to Latin America, Matthew is a frequent guest on radio and television programs across the country appearing on SiriusXM, EWTN, CBS, and the Magnificat. He hosts a podcast on iTunes titled “The Art of Catholic.” Matthew is the Executive Producer and host of the best-selling Journey Through Scripture video series and is a featured speaker by Lighthouse Catholic Media. He also holds a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. In addition to numerous articles, he is the author of two books, Louder Than Words: The Art of Living as a Catholic and Prayer Works! Getting A Grip On Catholic Spirituality. Matthew lives in Ohio with his wife Veronica and their five children.
