Repetition in prayer is not just a way of praying, but a way of living that continually revisits the places
where the Lord is moving in our lives, recognizing there is always more the Lord wishes for us to receive. As
we grow in prayer, our prayer also grows in simplicity; learning the art of repetition is vital in growing in
both simplicity and depth in prayer.

The more deeply we move into prayer, the greater intimacy and union with God we can experience. This
deepening awareness in our prayer also creates a greater awareness of our sinfulness. This can bring about
discouragement, but we must remember that discouragement is not from God. Rather, we must take our
awareness of sin into the Sacrament of Reconciliation to receive God’s grace.

We also can begin to make a distinction between deliberate and non-deliberate sins and, through this
awareness, understand how to continue growing in our spiritual life. There are three categories of deliberate
sin: (a) knowing what is right and wrong, but not caring; (b) wanting at some level to overcome sin, but
at a still deeper level not willing to change; and (c) wishing to change but not yet being able to. In order
to overcome sin, at any level, we must take the advice of Saint John Henry Newman to watch and pray,
noticing when we find ourselves in a near occasion of sin and praying for the grace to overcome sin. Our
weakness is a place where God can work powerfully, if we are open to his will and allow it.