Two days after Sister Briana's lesson on overcoming spiritual challenges, the students of St. Mary's Academy gathered in the large multipurpose hall for a practical class on handling doubts and spiritual dryness. The atmosphere buzzed with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension—this wasn't just another lecture; today, everyone had to actively participate.
At the front of the hall stood Sister Briana, her calm presence reassuring. Beside her, Sister Alex, a firm but kind administrator, and Sister Jessica, known for her warmth and understanding, stood ready to assist. A large whiteboard was positioned behind them, with the words:
"Faith in the Face of Doubt and Dryness – A Practical Approach"
Sister Briana clapped her hands together to get everyone's attention.
Sister Briana: "Welcome, everyone! Today's class will be different. No lectures, no note-taking. Instead, you'll experience firsthand what it's like to handle spiritual doubts and dryness through practical exercises."
Maria, seated near the front, exchanged a glance with Nathaniel and Kate, who sat beside her.
Nathaniel: "This sounds intense."
Kate: "I just hope I don't embarrass myself."
Sister Alex stepped forward, holding a stack of folded papers.
Sister Alex: "Each of you will pick a paper from this box. On it, you will find a situation—one that represents a real spiritual challenge. You must respond as if you were actually facing that situation."
A murmur of anticipation rippled through the class as students stepped forward one by one, drawing their papers. Maria unfolded hers and read silently:
> "You have been praying for something important, but no matter how much you pray, nothing seems to change. How do you keep your faith?"
She sighed. This was a challenge she had faced before.
---
Task 1: Facing Spiritual Doubts
Once everyone had their scenario, Sister Jessica took over.
Sister Jessica: "Let's start with doubts. When faith wavers, how do you respond? We'll go in pairs, with one of you sharing your doubt and the other offering advice."
Maria turned to Nathaniel.
Maria: "So, my situation is about unanswered prayers. What do you think?"
Nathaniel tapped his chin thoughtfully.
Nathaniel: "That's tough. I guess I'd remind myself that God's timing isn't our timing. Just because we don't see results doesn't mean He's not working."
Maria nodded.
Maria: "But what if it feels like God isn't listening at all?"
Nathaniel: "Maybe He's answering in a way we don't recognize. Maybe the 'no' is a blessing in disguise."
Maria considered his words.
Meanwhile, across the room, Kate was speaking to Sister Alex.
Kate: "My scenario is about feeling distant from God despite doing everything right. How do I fix that?"
Sister Alex smiled gently.
Sister Alex: "Have you ever been in a friendship where, even though nothing was wrong, you just felt disconnected?"
Kate: "Yes, actually."
Sister Alex: "Faith is like that sometimes. The connection isn't broken, it just needs attention. Maybe change your prayer routine, read a different book of the Bible, or even take a walk and pray aloud."
Kate seemed relieved by the advice.
---
Task 2: Handling Spiritual Dryness
Next, Sister Briana introduced the second task.
Sister Briana: "Now, let's focus on spiritual dryness. How do you keep going when prayer feels empty? Each group will present a strategy."
Maria, Nathaniel, and Kate huddled together.
Maria: "I think music helps. Sometimes, when I don't feel like praying, listening to hymns brings me back."
Nathaniel: "That's a good one. I'd say journaling. Writing down thoughts and prayers helps when words don't come easily."
Kate: "For me, it's serving others. When I feel lost, helping someone else reminds me of God's presence."
They wrote down their ideas and prepared to present.
When their turn came, Maria spoke first.
Maria: "One way to overcome spiritual dryness is through music. Even when words fail, a hymn or worship song can reconnect us to God."
Nathaniel added,
Nathaniel: "Journaling is another great tool. Writing your prayers and struggles makes faith feel more personal."
Kate concluded,
Kate: "And service—helping others reminds us that faith isn't just about feelings, but about action."
Sister Briana nodded in approval.
Sister Briana: "Excellent points. Anyone else?"
A student named Liam raised his hand.
Liam: "Sometimes, I just sit in silence. No prayers, no words—just sitting and waiting for God."
Sister Briana smiled.
Sister Briana: "That's called contemplative prayer, Liam. And it's a beautiful way to reconnect with God."
---
Final Reflection and Commitment
As the session neared its end, Sister Alex handed out small index cards.
Sister Alex: "Write one thing you'll commit to when facing doubt or dryness."
Maria wrote:
> "I will listen to hymns and trust God's timing."
Nathaniel wrote:
> "I will journal my prayers and keep faith even when I don't feel it."
Kate wrote:
> "I will serve others as an act of faith."
Sister Jessica collected the cards and smiled.
Sister Jessica: "Keep these commitments in your heart. Faith isn't about never doubting—it's about trusting God through the doubts."
As the class ended, Maria felt a sense of peace. Faith wasn't about always feeling close to God—it was about staying close even when she didn't feel it.