
Home >> Online Talks & Retreats >> Spiritual Enrichment Lecture Series
Discerning Growth/Regression in Prayer
16th October 2021
2:45pm-4:25pm via Zoom
St. Teresa of Avila
“All difficulties in prayer can be traced to one cause: praying as if God were absent“.
In this presentation, some of the key themes in understanding, and discerning growth/ regression in the life of prayer will be explored, drawing primarily from St Teresa’s book, The Interior Castle. In particular, the various psychological factors regarding distractions and obstacles in prayer will be discussed.
This online talk will help you discern and become more aware of your growth or regresson in your spiritual life and how to tackle it.
About the Talk
More Online Talks in the SELS Series
Praying in the Company of Mary
Starting 18th September 2021 In this online talk, we reflect on Mary’s place in the life of Christians (cf. John 19:26) with a view to responding to her inviting us to prayer (cf. Acts 1:14) and encouraging us to “ponder the Word” with her (Luke 2:19) and to be “obedient to the Word” (Luke 1:38; John...
Praying with Saint Paul
Starting 2nd October 2021 In this online talk, we learn about St Paul and his teachings on the importance of prayer life.
Distractions in Prayer
Starting 30th October 2021 In this online talk, we reflect on our struggles with prayer life and the fundamental question, however, is what meaning do distractions hold for our prayer and the spiritual journey as a whole?
Contemplative Reading: Lectio Divina
Starting 13th November 2021 In this online talk, we explore how to approach the scriptures in a prayerful way and allow the word of God to draw us deeper into the mystery of the Word among us.
Contemplative Vision: Praying with Art/Photography
Starting 27th November 2021 In this online talk, we will be invited to prayerful attentiveness to God’s presence in the ‘holy’ as well as in the ordinariness of our everyday lives – amidst the pots and pans as St Teresa puts it.
The Three Ways of the Spiritual Life and Prayer – The Fiery Nights
Starting 11th December 2021 In this online talk, we will be looking at St John of the Cross’ approach to the traditional concept of the three ways of the spiritual life - the purgative; the illuminative & the unitive, taking as a guiding image John’s use of the log in the fire.
The Living Flame of Love: Encountering the Mystery
Starting 21st December 2021 In this online talk, we will reflect on the works of St John of the Cross. His book, The Living Flame of Love, is both a hymn of praise to the Blessed Trinity, and a call to encounter God in life and prayer.
The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Prayer
Starting 8th January 2022 In this online talk, we will reflect on the Eucharist and its importance in Christian life.
Transformed by Prayer
Starting 22nd January 2022 In this online presentation, we will consider the purpose of prayer asking the important question: why pray? The spiritual disciplines and Carmelite values – silence, solitude, regularity, intentionality, availability – which support and nurture a life of prayer will be highlighted.
2021-10-07