Among readers of Catholic spiritual books terms like consolation and desolation are often referred to. Consolation is referred to usually as something that keeps beginners interested in the path of seeking God through prayer and contemplation. But, so the story goes, more advanced pray-ers are going to experience more desolation because it is a deeper test of their will, or trial, to help them grow in their gift of self. Often times the instructions we are given related to desolation can often be reduced to, “suck it up”.
I think that all of the focus on consolation and desolation is misguided. God is not necessarily in either of these. Whether we are experiencing consolation or desolation we are not called to focus as much on self in prayer and contemplation, but on God. It is very possible to do a holy hour, to do your meditation, whatever it might be, and to feel desolate or empty during or afterwards. Feelings are like this, they come and go. If you have had an experience of great consolation in prayer you can bet that desolation is right around the corner. Consolation and desolation come and go.
Also, as mentioned, they are located in the self. If we are developing in the habit of the Presence of God, whether we are experiencing consolation or desolation, we are going to want to turn our attention anew to God, to His divine attributes, or a Person of the Holy Trinity, and the qualities of that Person, the life of Jesus, etc..
Next time you are experiencing desolation (or consolation) notice that the attention is directed toward self rather than God. The purpose of doing this isn’t to remove desolation but rather to contemplate our Highest Good. It is fine if we are low, when our hearts and minds are focused on God.