A primer on prayer and how to get started from the method given by St. Francis de Sales.

Digging Deep - Suggestions for Group Discussion

• Is there a good reason not to have a daily prayer life?

  • Is there a requirement of the amount of time to spend in prayer?

• How does one place themselves in the presence of God?

• Based on the teaching of this priest, what is the most important thing one can do in this life?

• Can we get to Heaven without prayer?

• Can one control what goes on in the mind?

• Discuss the method of prayer given by St. Francis de Sales

  • Put yourself in the presence of God & ask His help to help you pray well. 

  • Use your imagination to make you aware of the presence of God. 

    • Imagine yourself in a place with God (the Father, The Son, or the Holy Ghost)

  • Consider what you see in your mind. 

    • What is Our Lord doing? What is He saying to you? What is He asking of you? What is He sharing with you? Etc. 

  • Make a specific resolution from the message received from God. 

    • I will do…

  • Conclude with three acts:

    • Thanksgiving - for the meditation, for the gifts in my life, etc

    • Oblation - offer back to Him all that God has given in love

    • Petition - for the needs of others & the needs of yourself

Digging Deeper - Suggestions for Couple Discussion

• If we are not praying together now, why not?

• Am I uncomfortable praying with you? If so, why?

• How can we begin to pray together?

  • The Rosary

  • Morning prayer

  • Night prayer 

  • Grace before & after meals

  • Prayer of Petition

• How, as your spouse, can I help you establish a committed prayer life?

Digging Deepest - Suggestions for Personal Consideration

• In light of St. Francis De Sales  quote, “Those who pray are saved, those who do not are damned,” do I understand the necessity for a committed prayer life?

• What is preventing me from committing to daily prayer?

• What goal am I going to set to begin tomorrow?

Resources 

• Introduction to the Devout Life - St. Francis de Sales

• Divine Intimacy - Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen

• The Better Part - Fr. John Bartunek

• Imitation of Christ - Thomas à Kempis