Dealing with Discouragement in Lent

Show Notes:

• During this episode Dan and Melissa discuss the struggle with discouragement as Lent is well underway.
• Discouragement is not of God. If you are working hard to bring yourself to God, you can be assured, he is pleased with you.
• Falling away from your lenten commitments is human. God knows this and is waiting for us to return to Him with a loving embrace.
• Dan and Melissa discuss the importance of confession.
• Offer your intentions at Mass for strength to fulfill your lenten commitments.
• If you find your lenten commitments might be more than you can handle, discuss with your spiritual director and either persevere or reassess your goals.
• Perseverance is a key characteristic in overcoming sins and temptations and is a common trait among all of the saints.
• A daily examination of conscience is an important habit to undertake.
• Spiritual Direction website has a guide for seven steps for a daily examen.
• Dan and Melissa thoroughly discuss each step of the examen: Opening Prayer, Gratitude, Petition, Review, Forgiveness, Renewal, and Closing Prayer.

Resources:

• Guide for Daily Examen
• Divine Intimacy - Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. - #96 “Proof of Love”
• http://spiritualdirection.com/DivineIntimacy