The battle of prayer is inseparable from the necessary "spiritual battle" to act habitually according to the Spirit of Christ: we pray as we live, because we live as we pray.
The principal difficulties that we find are:
⇘ We "don't have the time." Prayer is considered as an occupation incompatible with all the other things we have to do.
The remedy: "Make the time" for your personal prayer, knowing that nothing could excuse your failing to do so.
⇘ We "get distracted." Concentration becomes really difficult and we easily give up.
The remedy: Turn your heart back to God, offering him the distractions with humility, without discouragement.
⇘ We "feel dry." It seems that the heart is separated from God, with no taste for thoughts, memories, and feelings, even spiritual ones.
The remedy: Remember that "unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."
There are also two frequent temptations that threaten prayer:
⇘ Lack of faith. Prayer is not the first priority.
The remedy: Ask our Lord with a humble heart, "Lord, increase my faith."
⇘ Acedia. A form of depression stemming from lax ascetical practice, that leads to discouragement.
The remedy: Trust God more and hold fast in constancy.
Cf. CCC, 2752, 2755.
From the Handbook of Prayers, edited by Fr. Jim Socias.
