We had the great blessing to attend the National Cursillo Encounter at Villanova University in Philadelphia with over 700 Cursillo leaders, 20+ priests, 10+ deacons and Bishop Carlos Sevilla our national episcopal advisor. It was an encouraging and invigorating encounter representative of the vibrancy and very important work of our charism of evangelization within in the United States.

The talk that really spoke to us was entitled Prayer & Discernment given by Fr. John Myers of Archdiocese of Philadelphia, PA. His message was so rich that when we read through our notes we practically highlighted everything that we wrote down! We really want to share it all with you so will organize it into topics and then bullet form. We hope it speaks to you as much as it did to us.
Prayer:
Prayer should be reporting for duty, not a wish list.
A helpful prayer—Lord you know how I see things. Help me to see things the way you do. When I least feel like praying I should pray longer.
Ask God to correct your vision—What is wrong with how I see things?—Do I see as God does?

Discernment:
When I hear the word of God it’s like a drop of water on a sponge. When I hear from the devil is like water on a stone.

Discernment is recognizing what God is doing so I can actively participate.
When I know what it is that God wants of me but I don’t like it, I need to trust in God’s love even if I don’t feel it. (Think of rowing a boat and looking back to see God rowing twice as hard.) How often do I think it’s what God wants when it’s really what I want?

Do I assume something is not from God just because I don’t want it?
Maybe I don’t know as much as I think I do.

I often want to be an associate of God instead of a disciple. I need to be open to change and His will.

Sometimes the prophets in our lives come in unexpected forms—(ie. children or those we consider different or “odd”)

It’s hardest to discern with people we don’t get along with. We prefer those who agree with us so that’s who we surround ourselves with.

My plans can get in the way—God works around me if I don’t cooperate.
What do I do to avoid what God is calling me to? What distractions do I seek?
What am I being called to that is difficult for me?
We live in a world that wants to tell us who we are. It’s a loud voice that’s why we need each other to remind us what /who God thinks we should be.

Desolation:
Something is not right between God and me.
Why do I have this infirmity or that? God can shine when I have no control.
The things we think are in the way, are the way.
Consider: What was my moment furthest from Christ? When I am weakest, I need the healing hand of Christ the most.

One of the very profound things that Fr Meyers said, was that the 40 year journey of the Israelites in the desert was due to their self-centeredness and lack of God centeredness. Oh to heed God’s teachings sooner rather than later....
May the Lord bless you. Your sister & brother in Christ, 

Justine & Bill Bojan