separateurCreated with Sketch.

St. Francis de Sales’ advice for coping with spiritual dryness

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
Philip Kosloski - published on 01/29/22
whatsappfacebooktwitter-xemailnative
If you are experiencing spiritual dryness in prayer, read St. Francis de Sales' advice on how to endure it.

Help Aleteia continue its mission by making a tax-deductible donation. In this way, Aleteia's future will be yours as well.

Donate with just 3 clicks

*Your donation is tax deductible!

There are often times in our lives when we sit down to pray and feel nothing. We don't experience any joy or peace, and we struggle to pray.

We may even be tempted to give up on prayer.

St. Francis de Sales recognizes this situation and wrote a letter to St. Jane Frances de Chantal, who was experiencing such spiritual dryness.

This advice may not seem very consoling, but it is very honest, recognizing that such a trial is to be endured with the grace of God, challenging us to use our will to remain faithful to God.

St. Francis de Sales continues his letter, challenging Madame de Chantal to offer these sufferings to God.

If you experience dryness in prayer, don't give up, for Jesus is calling you closer to himself, challenging you to give-up the "sensations" of prayer and to prove your love of him in every circumstance.

This is what the saints did in their lives, loving God when all joy and peace in prayer has been removed.

Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!

Aleteia exists thanks to your donations

Help us to continue our mission of sharing Christian news and inspiring stories. Please make a donation today! Take advantage of the end of the year to get a tax deduction for 2024.

banner image
Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Did you enjoy this article? Would you like to read more like this?

Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. It’s free!