If you’re practicing mental prayer and still feel spiritually dry, Rule 9 explains why—and what God may be trying to show you.

Why does God allow desolation even when you’re doing everything right? In this episode, we break down Rule 9 from St. Ignatius’ 14 Rules for the Discernment of Spirits. We dive into the three core reasons God permits spiritual dryness: our own negligence, a test of our love, and a deep reminder that we are not the source of consolation—He is. We also get practical about how to recognize desolation, track your progress, and build a concrete Rule of Life that will anchor you in the battle. Whether you’re new to Ignatian discernment or well into your spiritual journey, this one will challenge and encourage you.

Timestamp Summary:

00:00 The Importance of Mental Prayer

01:24 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare and Discernment

02:06 Exploring the First Rule of Discernment

03:02 The Role of Dopamine and Temptation

04:18 The Importance of Spiritual Commitments

07:08 Principle Causes of Desolation

16:34 Creating a Rule of Life

18:37 Practical Tips for Maintaining Spiritual Health

27:43 Using Technology to Support Spiritual Practices

28:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with us!

Instagram:

Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/

Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/

Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"

Dan and Jordan Burke reveal why new Catholics are prime targets for spiritual attack, expose the lies that endanger souls, the common tactics that the enemy uses against new converts, and share how to fight back with the truth of the Church.

Timestamp Summary:

0:00 The Devil's Influence and Catholic Responsibilities

3:05 Challenges and Importance of Authentic Discipleship for New Converts

7:46 Heaven and Hell: The Stakes of Faith and Salvation

17:00 The Importance of Understanding Sin and Salvation in Catholicism

22:23 Authentic Discipleship and the Consequences of Knowing Jesus

29:07 The Importance of Mental Prayer and Authentic Discipleship

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the significance of being an "authentic disciple" is critical for new Catholics, involving full adherence to Church teachings.
• Mortal sin is a fundamental rejection of God, and confession is crucial to maintain a state of grace.
• Spiritual practices, including regular mental prayer and sacramental participation like the Eucharist, are vital to deepening one's relationship with Jesus.
• Misconceptions such as "being a good person" is sufficient for salvation are highlighted as dangerous pitfalls.
• The episode stresses that church membership does not equate to automatic salvation, underscoring the higher responsibility and potential for strict judgment.

Connect with us!

Instagram:

Dan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/danburkeofficial/

Jordan ➡ https://www.instagram.com/dothe_harderthing/

Questions? - Leave them in the comments below, or send them over to "questions@myavila.com"

You’re not your sin, your disorder, or your struggle—you’re a child of God called to fight forward, overcome, and be free.

In this episode of The Devil is in the Details, we dive into Rule Eight of St. Ignatius’ discernment framework—perseverance in desolation. But this one hits deeper than you might expect. We talk identity lies, spiritual EMDR, and what it really means to refuse to be ruled by your lower nature. This isn’t just about staying patient in the storm—it’s about realizing you were never meant to identify with it. If you’ve ever said, “I’m just not a morning person” or “That’s just who I am,” this one’s for you. Get ready to fight forward—with clarity, with grit, and with grace.

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:

00:00 Introduction and Series Overview

00:38 Rule Eight: Perseverance in Desolation

01:09 The Concept of Patience

02:16 Identity and Negative Cognitions

02:52 Personal Stories and Overcoming Challenges

05:51 The Importance of Positive Cognition

12:44 Desolation and Human Nature

16:57 Hospital Experiences and Finding Peace

17:57 A Painful Experience

18:12 Spiritual Conversations in the Ambulance

19:47 Finding Peace Amidst Pain

21:03 A Stressful Drive

22:53 Spiritual Warfare and Vigilance

24:15 The Battle of Life

31:39 Balancing Awareness and Paranoia

34:36 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

5 Key Takeaways from Rule 8: Perseverance in Desolation

1. You are not your disorder, sin, or struggle.

   One of the biggest lies the enemy tells is that your weakness is your identity. But in Christ, your identity is rooted in grace—not your passions, inclinations, or past failures.

2. Patience is not passive—it’s a choice.

   Rule 8 calls us to work to be patient in desolation. That means engaging your will, choosing to fight even when you feel nothing, and refusing to be dragged by your emotions.

3. Negative self-talk can be demonic bait.

   Repeating phrases like “I’m just not a morning person” or “I’ve always been like this” forms psychological and spiritual chains. These “negative cognitions” reinforce falsehoods that give the enemy a handle on your soul.

4. Victory comes through fidelity, not feelings.

   Desolation often feels like failure, but it’s not. By leaning into prayer, penance, and meditation (as taught in Rule 6), you’re choosing God even when He feels absent. That choice is the victory.

5. Spiritual warfare requires readiness, not paranoia.

   Like a cop prepared for a worst-case call, the Catholic must walk into each day ready for battle—not with fear, but with clarity and peace. “Fight forward” by staying vigilant, grounded in truth, and armed with the sacraments.