Top 10 Ways to Combat Spiritual Dryness

9/26/2015

We all encounter dry spells in our faith life from time to time. Here are 10 ways that may help turn your desert wasteland into a desert oasis.

10. Pump up your prayer life

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Just like you can hit a plateau in your fitness routine and need to switch things up a bit, it's also possible to hit a plateau in your prayer life. Maybe it's time to switch things up a bit? There are many different spirituality tests out there that can help you find what fits best. Spend some time in silence or play some worship music. Either way, whatever you try... don't give up!!!

If you don't like it then you'll throw a couple Rosaries at it. Sorry... But seriously. Although the Rosary isn't everyone's bag of cats, it might be just what you need to reset things. The Rosary is very contemplative and allows you to meditate on the life of Christ through the scriptures.

“You always leave the Rosary for later, and you end up not saying it at all because you are sleepy. If there is no other time, say it in the street without letting anybody notice it. It will, moreover, help you to have presence of God.”
St. Josemaria Escriva

9. Throw a couple Rosaries at it

8. Cut the Gossip

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Although it is so tempting to give your two cents about someone to someone else... stop. Gossip is a slippery slope that can start with harmless 'venting' about someone and lead to an all-out slander session that is disguised as caring. Sorry, but no one died and made you the authority on anyone else's life.

Gossip can foster pride and ruin people's reputation. It can become sinful - and no one needs more sin in their life. I know I don't. Cut - it - out.

7. Do Something For Someone

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"For it is in giving that we receive"
- Prayer of St. Francis

Go serve someone. Be Christ to them.
You'd be surprised how much you actually get from giving to others!

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6. Forgive Someone

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Have you been harbouring a grudge against someone? Maybe it's time to deal with the stuff that's been swept under the rug for so long.

Jesus has some pretty strong words about this: "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions".
Matthew 6: 14-15.

What does it have to do with a dry spell?
It's pretty interesting that Jesus said this right after he told us how to pray.... hmm? (Matthew 6: 9-13 - Our Father...)

5. Attend the School of St. Francis

"Be still and know that I am God!"
Psalm 46: 11

Go spend some time in nature. Whether it's a day trip to the mountains for a hike, a camping trip, or a week long silent retreat.... GO! Many people find God and reconnect with Him in nature. It's a great place to simply be. Look at this GIF to the right. As if you wouldn't love to set up a lawn chair and soak that in until the sun goes down. God is in nature... Go to Him. Don't forget to take some sunscreen and bear spray. Or, just go to a retreat center.

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4. Unplug

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Our dependency on our tech has never been greater. We are always checking our phones for notifications, texts, and updates. It gets to the point where we sometimes hear "phantom rings" and feel "phantom vibrates". I think when we reach the point where we swear we felt our phone vibrate in our pocket, even though it's on the counter... maybe it's time to disconnect. Disconnecting will also allow us to start listening to God and stop listening for everything else... ever.

3. Confession

If it's been a while since you've been in the confessional, maybe it is time to do some spring cleaning. Sin hardens our hearts and makes it tough for the Holy Spirit to work in them. Confession is a great fix for this! Are you feeling dry? When was the last time you went to confession? Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between how dry your faith is feeling and how long it has been since you've gone to confession. Actually, no studies have shown this... but it makes sense doesn't it? Go to confession!

2. Up your Eucharistic Intake

Now, I am sure many purists will not be happy that this is not at the number one spot because the Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our faith. The only reason it's not at #1 is because I have a point to make at #1.

You wouldn't expect to go on a road trip with an empty tank of fuel, would you? So fuel up! Stuck in a rut? Maybe you need a bit more spiritual energy to trudge through it! Go to Mass! What better way to fight dryness and grow closer to Christ than to receive him more than once a week?

1. Embrace it!

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No matter the reason for your dryness, embrace it. Christ calls us to take up our crosses and follow him. Maybe you're dry because you've been drifting. God's mercy is greater. Maybe God has taken the training wheels off and is allowing you to pedal on your own power for a bit. He's still with you. Maybe you're just getting comfortable. Let him shake things up a bit.

Either way... embrace the dryness. Be grateful for it. There's always someone else who has it a lot worse than you! Be grateful! Maybe the Lord sees enough in you to allow you to go through this in the first place. Embrace the drought!

Stay Strong & Keep the Faith!

Lance Rosen

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