Deacon Robert T. Yerhot

prayer

I Thirst!

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As a spiritual director, I often ask my deacon directees, “What is your deepest desire in prayer?” Invariably, what I hear in response is a longing for greater intimacy with God and not knowing what impedes their spiritual growth. Deacons in spiritual direction long to be with God in prayer and to find him in Read More
pray

Desire and Capacity

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Newly ordained deacons tend to approach prayer with fervor, only to soon suffer the emotional demands of a growing interior life within active ministry. Inevitably, tensions arise in seeking union with God, so we resolve to pray harder and work smarter. But something remains amiss. What is it? George Aschenbrenner, SJ, in “Stretched for Greater Read More
man praying

Psychological Asceticism

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We often underestimate the experience of contemplative prayer. To be present to the Father’s love inevitably brings about a purification, which is both an intense joy and an equally intense suffering. Few of us are emotionally prepared for such a purification. It is more than our wounded humanity can sustain if we try to go Read More