I am wondering about other people's experiences with dark night of the soul.

For years, my place in the body of Christ has been an intercessor. This fall, suddenly my experiences in prayer changed and felt disconnected. Fortunely, I know that God does not leave me nor forsake me, but it my spirit, I feel alone. It is not like a dry space, but deeper somehow.

I have been reading "The Dark Night of the Soul"- St. John of the Cross, and various others who mention it in their writings.

I wondered if this is a thing to depend on God's grace being sufficient and ride it out, do deep soul searching and look for cleansing, look for evil influences and rebuke them, or all the above?

Dear Tillman ...
 
I think everyone's experience of "The Dark Night of the Soul" is unique unto themselves, and therefore there are no set rules or exact steps to follow when entering into it, being in the midst of it, or progressing out of it. This is a deep work of the Spirit within you. It was initiated by the Spirit of God - just as the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, so he is leading you.

I have recently been moving out of such an experience - one that has lasted almost a year and a half. "Darkness" is the best word I can use to describe it. I am still processing so much of it to this day.

If I can offer you anything during this time it would be to rest (and discover just what that means for you) and to "cease striving". Instead of focussing on effort or anything you can "do" allow the gracious Spirit of God to be your guide. He knows you, he knows the path he's brought you to, he knows what he's accomplishing in you.

You're in a good place.

Thank you, both, for your input. It is very helpful. It is especially restful, in a way, to hear from folks who have been there.

It is true, it feels decaffeinated- this time with the Lord. St John of the Cross talks about light shining through a window pane and illuminating all the dust in the room. Boy, have I been finding dust. I had no idea there could be so much that was clouding my ability to be with God.

I did find the last issue of Conversations to be encouraging- I began experimenting with Ignatius' examen daily. It was a fun adventure. It seems I cannot find God inside me (though I know He is there), but I am beginning to see Him in the world around me. That is truly a blessing.

It is also good to hear about your different lengths of time the darkness lasted. I read about Mother Theresa, whose dark time lasted many years, and other people I deeply respect whose lasted only a few years. I came up with a formula to amuse myself: If the dark night lasts a long, long time for those who are truly awesome in the kingdom of God, then maybe those of us who run the least will only need a short one- say a few months:)

Thanks again for the encouragement.