Index of posts on Introduction to the Devout Life.

ADDED, FEBRUARY 2013:  I created a new post on Introduction to the Devout Life with a more streamlined and easy-to-follow summary of my recommended reading order.   Why not try that first?

 

Original post follows....

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Here is the first "wrap-up post:"  How to read Introduction to the Devout Life.  I recommend reading this first.

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Other writers blogging on Introduction to the Devout Life:  

• Jennifer Fulwiler.
  
  • A year with St. Francis de Sales
  • 4 steps to placing yourself in the presence of God (related to my post here)

 

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As I read through the book, I wrote the following posts in the order they are presented here.  Two numbers separated by a dash refer to the part and the chapter:  1-5 means part 1, chapter 5.

1-1

1-2

1-3

Structure of 1-5 through 1-24

1-9 through 1-18:  A novena for conversion to the devout life

2-1 through 2-8:  A how-to-pray

2-6 through 2-8:  Getting specific

2-9 through 2-12:  Spiritual recollections

On Confession

Turning to part 3:  St. Francis de Sales on "baby steps" (3-1 and 3-2)

Overall structure of part 3

Re-organizing part three thematically; discerning the right kinds of goods to seek and how

3-23 and 3-24 (more introductory stuff) -- More discernment of virtues

Which virtue to choose?

Choosing virtue in the performance of duties: (a) Obedience as a tool for discernment

Choosing virtue in the performance of duties: (b) Fidelity in small things is as important as fidelity in great ones

Choosing virtue in the performance of duties: (c) Avoidance of over-eagerness and anxiety.

Shout out:  Who's still reading this?  Are you following along?

Plan of Attack

How's that going?

Structure of part 4:  Troubleshooting.

4-1:  Read this when people try to undermine your efforts.

4-2:  Read this when you lose courage early on or when you mourn your old life.

4-3 through 4-6:  Dealing with temptations, whether you are displeased by them or whether you take pleasure in them.

4-7:  Remedies for temptations to serious sin.

4-8 and 4-9:  Remedies for temptations to lesser sins.

4-10:  Strengthening your heart, or, dealing with weaknesses.  (A two-pronged approach)

4-11:  Troubleshooting anxiety.

4-12:  Sadness.

4-13:  Troubleshooting spiritual consolations.

4-14 and 4-15:  Troubleshooting spiritual desolation.

Structure of part five:  Renewal and preservation of devotion.

Getting started with the annual renewal; Considering the value of your resolution (5-2).

Annual review and renewal:  self-examination.  (5-3 through 5-7)

Daily meditations on renewing your resolution (5-9 through 14)

Concluding the annual renewal.  (5-15 and 5-16)

Two general objections:  You won't have enough time, and not everyone can manage all this mental prayer without distractions.

Final advice and reader question.

Comments

[Tabitha]

Thanks so much!!!