One of the things that gets in the way of spiritual practice is mechanicalness. Why is it so important to see it at home? By performing actions mechanically, we are acting simply at the level of rituals. While God is a person, he is alive, and he does not give an answer to such actions. Communication does not appear, interest in practice fades away and may even completely disappear. What to do, how to get rid of mechanicalness?
Transfer your actions to yourself
Thinking, but it would be nice for me if I tried to talk to someone, but this person is looking at the phone, then turning his head around? Most likely, we would be hurt and would not even want to communicate with this person further. Likewise, the Lord is unpleasant when during prayer we are distracted or, even worse, we pray on the go, as if between things. One must always remember that the Lord is a person, and act on this basis. It doesn't matter what exactly we do. And the easiest way to trace this is if you try it on yourself: "And it would be nice for me if …"
Do a little more
This is the universal principle of giving. If we want to build a relationship with someone, we need to learn how to give. This is true for everyone, and also manifests itself in a relationship with God. Try to do a little more for him today. Get up early, pray 10 minutes longer. Not so that I feel good, for him to feel good. A little bit of everything, but more. Then we will definitely feel the answer. After all, the scriptures say: if we took one step towards God, he will make 10 towards us.
Regularity in the fulfillment of vows
It would seem that this is not mechanicalness? No. If we have promised that we will try to observe the daily routine and, no matter what happens, chant the holy name from the very morning, and we do this, then will God please? Of course yes, this is the best ministry we can do for him, the best. Don't we like it when others keep their promises to us? Do we like it when a husband or wife, even out of a sense of duty, fulfills their duties? Yes. And if it is also something pleasant for us, what brings us joy? Of course yes. Likewise, the Lord loves it when we try to fulfill our vows.
Spiritual practice is a living process and a joyful process. If the joy is gone and you don't feel the dynamics, you need to check if my practice has become ritualistic. The Lord will certainly notice our attempts to become more sincere and will answer us with the return of taste, joy and enthusiasm.
