Fr. Josh answers questions about the importance of fasting and how to start fasting for beginners, how to navigate spiritual dryness, and how to prepare for the vocation of marriage as an engaged couple.
Snippet from the Show
We may not see the fruit of our prayer on this side of heaven, but the goal is to persevere and never give up because our prayers do bear fruit in God’s own ways.
Shownotes
Questions
Fasting for Beginners
I know fasting is mentioned a lot in the bible and other church teachings. Other than Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, I don’t typically fast regularly with regards to spiritual or penitential focus. Can you share what fasting may have looked like thru church history and how to start to add fasting for beginners like me looking to add this to get closer with our Lord? How would you suggest to open this area to social environments to avoid awkward situations with friends or family?
-Adam
Spiritual Dryness
Father Josh, I’ve prayed for years for the conversion of someone very dear to my heart. I’ve prayed countless chaplets, rosaries, novenas and shed many tears. Unfortunately, I have not seen anything remotely close to a conversion. It’s an intention that has begun to affect my faith and now I struggle with prayer. I’m spiritually dry. It’s been a few months since I’ve spent time in prayer, and prayer has always been a source of peace for me. Can you please provide some guidance or encouraging words to regain faith and strength to keep pushing forward and shake this spiritual dryness I am struggling with?
-Anonymous
Engagement
Hi Fr. Josh,
My boyfriend and I recently got engaged and we are excited to enter into the vocation of marriage but also anxious about the future during these challenging times for Catholic families in our culture. What advice would you give to us so we can prepare for marriage this upcoming year? In addition to marriage preparation, how can we go deeper in prayer as a couple, and what habits, virtues, and practices can we adopt now so we can be holy spouses and parents in the future?
Thank you,
-Jen
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.
Meet Fr. Josh Johnson
While Fr. Josh was raised Catholic, he didn’t like the Church growing up. Then, one day in adoration, he fell in love with Jesus and received the call to become a priest.
Now, Fr. Josh is the Vocations Director of the Diocese of Baton Rouge in Louisiana. He is a presenter in four of Ascension’s programs: Altaration, YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body, The 99, and Connected: Catholic Social Teaching for This Generation, as well as the author of Broken and Blessed: An Invitation to My Generation, Pocket Guide to Adoration, and co-author of Pocket Guide to Reconciliation.
