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Do You Have a Steady Prayer Life

The spiritual life is a beautiful, lifelong journey of the heart, and the great Spanish mystics St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross describe its beginning as the purgative way. Far from being a harsh punishment, this initial stage is actually a tender act of divine mercy. It is the season where God gently untangles our hearts from the messy attachments, bad habits, and superficial distractions that keep us from experiencing His deep peace. St. Teresa compares the soul to a beautiful interior castle that has become cluttered and dusty over time, requiring patient, intentional sweeping. St. John of the Cross reminds us that this purification involves both our active efforts—like establishing a steady prayer routine and practicing self-discipline—and passive seasons where God allows a certain spiritual dryness to test and strengthen our love. It is a time of clearing away the noise so that we can finally hear the whisper of the Beloved.

Moving from this purgative stage into the warmth of the illuminative way—where the soul begins to experience a deeper, more consistent awareness of God's presence—requires a shift from doing to receiving. To bridge this gap, focus on trading crowded, vocal prayers for the quiet stillness of meditation and contemplative silence, sitting with the Lord just to be in His company. Practicing radical humility and trusting surrender during moments of spiritual dryness is essential; when prayer feels flat, it means God is inviting you to love Him for who He is, not just for the good feelings He gives you. By anchoring your day in frequent acts of charity, seeking spiritual direction, and letting go of the need to control your spiritual progress, you open the sails of your soul. You allow the Holy Spirit to transition you from the heavy lifting of the purgative way into the illuminated path, where Christ’s own light begins to spontaneously guide your every thought and action.
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