Dear Mr. Donovan,

I experience, at times, great love for God during prayer. Along with this, though, I also experience unwanted movements of the flesh during the prayer. Is there anything sinful about these unwanted movements of the flesh during prayer. Has any Saint touched on this topic. I would appreciate any help Thak you, Patrick

Yes, St. John of the Cross treats of this question. Since we are a united soul and body it can happen that what takes place in the soul can have effects in the body, and vice versa. We all experience how sickness, for example, can weight down the spirit, and joy raise up the body.

The principle to know is that such occurences are not sinful if we do not seek them, or foster them when they occur. Rather, do not rest in those experiences, but continue with your prayer, asking God to remove any sensuality that may have entered into it.

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