Question

[Guest Guest]

I sometimes get a feeling that goes like this: When I am praying with other people my age, or around my age, I dont want them to be there. I want it to be just me and God. Its a feeling that says, "I dont want you to pray with me, you shouldn't be praying, dont come to pray anymore, stop trying to come closer to God." I realize this is a feeling that comes from the devil, more likely than not, but how can I rid myself of this feeling? Also, is it a sin to have this feeling, even though I dont act on it? Thank you.

[Pontifex]

Realize that it is never just me and God and to hell with everybody else. We are a people of community. As Jesus tells us in the Gospel, where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst. The Trinity itself is a unified community, so to speak.

There is on the other hand a time to go off by yourself and pray with God alone, but try to open yourself to the communal aspect of prayer as well. Our faith is incarnational and the presence of Jesus Christ is visible in the people we come in contact with as well.

As far as the thoughts go, I wouldn't get real worked up about them, but just work through them. Go against the self. Agere Contra, as St. Ignatius would say.

I hope this helps.