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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Tempation	Layla	Thursday, January 24, 2008
Question: Dear Brother, Often when about to recieve Holy Communion I have severe temptations to omit Communion because I feel I may have committed a mortal sin even though I know intellectually I did not. Many times this robs me of any peace regarding recieving Communion. I will feel much anxiety before and after Communion. Also, I often feel much anxiety after confession, with the feeling that I did not make a good confession and am not forgiven, eventhough I know intellectually that this is not so. Can you say what is going on here? What can I do to remedy this? Thank you very much and God bless you, Layla
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Layla: Well there are three possible explanations for what you are experiencing: 1) scrupulosity (which is the religious form of Obsessive-Compulsive behavior). 2) the thoughts are inspired by demons who are trying to rob you of the Sacraments, or at least the peace that comes from the Sacraments. 3) both #1 and #2. demons love to hitchhike on problems that already exist. Regardless of which of these possibilities explains your experience the solution is essentially the same -- TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST (1 Cor. 10:5). Since you know intellectually that your feelings and thoughts on this are incorrect, take captive those thoughts and feelings and reject them. Say with deliberation, "I reject these thoughts (feelings) that are contrary to the Truth and accept only thoughts (feelings) that are of God." A more formal prayer: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints and Angels of Heaven, and powerful in the holy authority of His Name, I reject this thought and feeling of [list for describe thought/feeling] which is contrary to God’s will. I choose only thoughts in harmony with the Holy Spirit, and I cover my thought life with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. It might take a while, but if you persevere with this prayer and focus on what your KNOW to be true, instead of what you are feeling, these thoughts and feelings will likely fade away. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Tempation

Layla

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Question:

Dear Brother,
Often when about to recieve Holy Communion I have severe temptations to omit Communion because I feel I may have committed a mortal sin even though I know intellectually I did not. Many times this robs me of any peace regarding recieving Communion. I will feel much anxiety before and after Communion.

Also, I often feel much anxiety after confession, with the feeling that I did not make a good confession and am not forgiven, eventhough I know intellectually that this is not so.

Can you say what is going on here? What can I do to remedy this?
Thank you very much and God bless you,
Layla

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Layla:

Well there are three possible explanations for what you are experiencing:

1) scrupulosity (which is the religious form of Obsessive-Compulsive behavior).

2) the thoughts are inspired by demons who are trying to rob you of the Sacraments, or at least the peace that comes from the Sacraments.

3) both #1 and #2. demons love to hitchhike on problems that already exist.

Regardless of which of these possibilities explains your experience the solution is essentially the same -- TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST (1 Cor. 10:5).

Since you know intellectually that your feelings and thoughts on this are incorrect, take captive those thoughts and feelings and reject them. Say with deliberation, "I reject these thoughts (feelings) that are contrary to the Truth and accept only thoughts (feelings) that are of God."

A more formal prayer:

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints and Angels of Heaven, and powerful in the holy authority of His Name, I reject this thought and feeling of [list for describe thought/feeling] which is contrary to God’s will. I choose only thoughts in harmony with the Holy Spirit, and I cover my thought life with the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

It might take a while, but if you persevere with this prayer and focus on what your KNOW to be true, instead of what you are feeling, these thoughts and feelings will likely fade away.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.