Chapter 6: Spiritual Desolation: A Time for Initiative (Rule 6)

1.  What helps you bear situations of suffering (crosses) on a physical and/or emotional level?

2.  Share an example of a time when prayer/meditation in a time of desolation brought you to a time of consolation.

3.  If you experience spiritual discouragement or desolation this week, try to pinpoint the source through examination.

4.  As we approach Lent, consider what forms of penance have born the most fruit for your spiritual life.  Any creative resolutions after reading Fr. Gallagher's examples?

Chapter 5: Spiritual Desolation: A Time for Fidelity (Rule 5)

1.  What spiritual practices has discouragement led you to give up?

2.  What helps you to be firm and constant in your resolutions to grow spiritually?

3.  Why is fidelity during desolation so important?

4.  How might this norm be applied to our relationship with others?

Chapter 4: Spiritual Desolation (Rule 4)

1.  Reflect on a time of spiritual desolation that was ultimately encouraging.

2.  How does a clear understanding of spiritual desolation diminish its power to dishearten us?

3.  What physical or psychological challenges tend to be your springboards to spiritual desolation?  What practical steps can you take to lessen or eliminate their effect?

4.  Be aware of occasions of spiritual desolation throughout your week.  How do these instances effect your relationship with God?

Chapter 3: Spiritual Consolation (Rule 3)

1.  Share an experience when a non-spiritual consolation provided a springboard for a spiritual consolation. 

2.  What attractions (page 53) made it difficult to give yourself wholly to God?  How are these "created things" now integrated into your response to God's call?

3.  What consolation(s) have you been given through the gift of tears?

4.  Try to be aware and identify spiritual consolations each day this week.  How does this impact your relationship with God?