Self-examination: Means to Growth in Prayer
[A person should examine] whether he devotes time to prayer, whether he is helped by mental or vocal prayer, to which of them he gives more time, what method he uses, whether he experiences enjoyment or, on the contrary, disgust or mental distraction while praying. (OOCC, II, pp. 76 - 77)
According to St. Vincent Pallotti, the life of prayer must be nurtured and sustained. If a person does not make any effort to progress in his prayer life, makes only half-hearted attempts, or just does the minimum, a person can jeopardize his relationship with God through prayer. Hence, it is very vital that a person periodically evaluates the state of his prayer life. A person must ask himself questions regarding the time he allots daily for his prayer, the type of prayer he engages in, the particular type of prayer he prefers, the method he uses to pray, and his positive or negative experiences during prayer. Besides raising these questions, he must attempt to think of ways and means to improve in his prayer. Such periodic examinations give a person a clear picture of where he is in his prayer life and helps him to take the needed steps for progress. St. Vincent took this simple and direct approach to his prayer life and suggested it to others. He was just a common man seeking God. This method was very effective for him and many persons whom he guided. The self-examinations he carried out and the steps he took to grow in his prayer life made St. Vincent steadfast in his commitment to God, the Infinite Love. Such a life of deep communion with God had a great impact on his life of ministry.
Do I take care of my life of prayer on a regular basis? Am I committed to a life of prayer? Do I periodically evaluate the progress I make in my life of prayer? What concrete steps do I take to improve my life of prayer?
If anyone purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work. (II Tim. 2: 21)