When desolation strikes, don’t just endure—fight back. In this episode, Jordan and Dan Burke unpack Rule 6 of St. Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits, revealing how proactive prayer, meditation, and discipline can break the enemy’s grip.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course:

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

0:00 Series Continuation

7:24 The Intersection of Faith, Psychology, and Spiritual Warfare

12:51 Fighting Spiritual Desolation Through Prayer and Discernment

18:56 Spiritual and Physical Fitness Require Consistent Training and Endurance

22:18 Overcoming Spiritual Desolation Through Intense Prayer and Discipline

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of acknowledging and addressing the devil's influence in everyday spiritual life.
• Rule 6 from St. Ignatius' spiritual exercises urges intensified prayer and reflection during times of desolation.
• A call for integrating psychological understanding with supernatural faith to maintain spiritual health.
• The potential pitfalls of over-relying on secular psychology in spiritual matters.
• Strategies to combat spiritual desolation include increased prayer, meditation, and doing the opposite of what desolation tempts.

Rule 5 in spiritual warfare: When the enemy turns up the volume, stay the course—never make a change in desolation.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course:

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

0:01 The Importance of Rule 5 in Spiritual Warfare

5:00 Challenges of Translating Spiritual Texts and Their Impact

7:39 Spiritual Warfare: Desolation, Sin, and the Voice of the Enemy

15:57 The Importance of Consistent Prayer Despite Physical Challenges

18:33 Resisting Temptation and Overcoming Spiritual Desolation

25:15 Spiritual Decision-Making and the Influence of Desolation

Key Takeaways:

• Rule 5 of Ignatian spirituality teaches that one should not change a spiritual commitment made during consolation when in a period of desolation.
• The enemy's voice is louder and more persuasive during times of desolation, pushing for urgency and causing anxiety.
• It is crucial to rely on prior spiritual decisions made during times of consolation to navigate through the fog of desolation.
• Practical applications of Rule 5 encompass both spiritual and other significant life decisions, reflecting the interconnectedness of secular and spiritual life.
• Discernment and spiritual warfare require active engagement and a firm grasp of spiritual principles to combat the enemy’s tactics effectively.

Learn how the enemy attacks through spiritual desolation—and how to fight back with wisdom from St. Ignatius.

Resources Mentioned in this series:

Immediate Action Plan

Habitual Sin Course:

Examination of Conscience

Holy Habits App

Seven Deadly Sins

Hidden Faults

Free Video Series on Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Avila Institute Class on Discernment of Spirits

Fr. Gallaghers book on Discernment of Spirits

Dans best selling book - Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits

Timestamp Summary:

0:01 Understanding Spiritual Desolation and Its Impact on Faith

3:48 Spiritual Awakening and Psychological Healing Through Therapy

5:45 Understanding Emotions Through Nuanced Language and the Emotions Wheel

8:02 Identifying Emotional Triggers Through Spiritual Discernment and Therapy

15:39 Understanding Spiritual Desolation and Consolation in Daily Life

19:36 Awareness and Vigilance in Spiritual and Psychological Desolation

29:07 Understanding Desolation and Strategies for Spiritual Discernment

Key Takeaways:

• Desolation comprises feelings of disturbance, anxiety, and spiritual heaviness, which may indicate demonic influences.
• Understanding and naming emotions with precision can be a powerful tool against desolation.
• Staying "sober and alert" involves spiritual vigilance and self-awareness to counteract any potential misleading influences.
• Regular spiritual practices such as mental prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the daily examen can aid in maintaining spiritual and psychological awareness.
• Dan emphasizes the importance of discernment in one's journey to becoming spiritually and psychologically awake.