True Relationship With God?

Question

I have done some terrible things In my life that I'm not proud of and I would like to start a relationship with God, I've asked him In my life before but when I messed up, I just stopped reading the Bible, praying and talking to God. I just don't really know what to ''DO''. how would I have a relationship with God when I messed up SOOO MANY times before. I say prayers but sometimes It sounds like I don't mean It when I do. I am just a depressed person at times. what's a good prayer to say to ask God Into your life and a forgiveness prayer? I want to start over again and this time I am going to do It right. please help me people. your help Is appreciated!

Answer 1

I'm glad to see that you really want to have a relationship with God! Remember this - God has ALWAYS taken the lead in reaching out to us humans, no matter what we've done. No matter how much you want to start a relationship with Him, He wants to start one with you MUCH MORE. You're not approaching an unfeeling, unforgiving God - you're approaching a loving Father who can't wait to sweep you up in His arms and comfort you.

Just be real with God - that's what He wants, an honest, open, humble heart. Talk to God as your Father, telling Him your regrets, pains, hopes and fears. Ask Him for forgiveness.

Here's the big part though. If you really love God, you will obey Him (Jesus says this). So you must be ready to repent, or turn your life around. Be ready to lay down your life and follow His ways. Go back to the Word and go back to prayer and find a community of believers. No matter what you've done, God will always welcome you. But a sign of true belief in God is to obey Him.

So go back to Him, knowing that He will forgive you, no matter what you've done. And live out your life for Him. You will definitely stumble and fall - but that's okay! Keep running the race! Remember that Paul, the super apostle, said that he was not perfect but just tried to run the race everyday. That's what we should do - and when we fall, we turn to God for his grace.

A book that might really help you with your faith is called "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey. Its a beautiful book that talks about what God's love really means. You can find it online or most any bookstore (Christian or otherwise).

Answer 2

We are called to corporate worship (join a church). The best way to hear from God is to read his word (bible). For me, the question became what evidence do I have that I am a Christian? and am I really doing my best to be a Christian?

The truth was, I put God into my schedule like another extracurricular activity. And the blessing is, that was enough. Because God is Love and he meets us right where we are. Look at all the stories in the bible of Jesus where he met people on the road. He didn't wait for them, he met them along their way, whatever they were doing.

The Good News is that only God can change a heart. I can't change anything about me (if I could, I'd be GOD). So I say a prayer, ask for direction and do the next right thing. God does the rest. The trouble is, we get prompting from the holy spirit---read your bible, go to church, tithe, whatever it is---and we think we know better or we think it should be some big deal so we ignore it. All you need is the faith of a mustard seed to begin. Isn't God Great? He already knows what you have done and he loves you. He already knows what you have left undone and he loves you.

Stop what you are doing, tell God honestly what is on your heart...then ask yourself, am I doing the best I can to follow Him and and His commandments....if not, get moving.

In all things, give thanks.
My two favorite prayers are:

Lord, please help me.
Lord, thank you.

Answer 3

Ive been where you are right now. Things Ive done in the past youd think God wouldnt forgive but He has and does. When you mess up is when you drop to your knees and pray. See Lucifer loves when you fall it gives him the upper hand. Hes like how can you pray to God after what you just did? Youre not worthy of His love. Youve really messed up theres no chance for you. God is not concerned with what you say in your prayers He is only concerned with what is true. You say sometimes it dont sound like you mean it but He knows if youre sincere or not. Read the Bible daily, pray daily and stay in the light. Get yourself into a Bible believing church. Pray for strength because you will need it. This isnt an easy journey but pays off greatly. Repent and be baptized. This is a decision you will never regret. Hope to meet you on the other side. Peace out..................

Answer 4

It is not the words you say. You don't need to have the "perfect prayer". It all doesn't matter if you are not sincere in your HEART.

It's a process. Crack open that Bible, and start reading. Maybe look at Psalms (Psalm 139 is one of my favorites), or maybe take a look at John, Ephesians, Philippians, or Romans. Let God show you what He wants you to read.

Start praying. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, just as long as it is sincere. Put on a worship CD and open your heart out to God. Close your door and just make it time for you and God. Cry out to Him. Just spend time with Him each day.

Change may be instant, but it may not be. Just don't give up. Get involved at a church. Find some Christian friends. Don't give up. Hold onto God's promises no matter what comes your way.

Answer 5

A Christian would tell you that as long as you have accepted Jesus in your heart, you are saved.

Now remember God is all forgiving, it's just a matter of you actually repenting from what you have done, even it you have done it over an over.

A Christian would tell you that what the devil wants you to feel unworthy of God's forgiveness, so that he can strain your relationship with Him.

The fact that you have this inner urge to reconcile with Him shows that you are a good person. Remember you are human, so you will keep on making mistakes. It is through them that we learn.

However, why don't you try something new? When you mess up, you are not only displeasing God but hurting yourself, and cultivating negative attitudes that will become more deeply rooted in you if you persist on them. Get rid of those attitudes, I can guarantee you that you will "travel lighter" and have a happier and more fulfilling life.

Since you are a believer, prayer and love, that's what it is about.

Answer 6

I John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, HE IS FAITHFUL and just to forgive us our sins; and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."

Notice the verse says God is Faithful. It never says we are because as humans we vacillate up and down throughout our lives. Be sorry for your sin and backsliding, but don't allow yourself to believe a lie. God never said He would not forgive you. In the verse above it says He will.cleanse you from ALL unrighteousness.

As long as you have not blasphemed the Holy Ghost and said that the works of God were done by the devil you can receive forgiveness.

I will tell you what happens when someone struggles as you have and isn't serving God as they know they should. They begin to trust their feelings, and expect an emotional return to God to prove God accepts their repentance.

I am sure you are sorry enough that your emotions are going to be involved but don't allow that to be the measure of whether God has forgiven you or not. God will forgive you because He is more than just, and always loves a broken and contrite heart that leads to repentance. If you don't feel forgiven that doesn't matter. What does matter is that you take God at His word and let Him turn your life around.

It is imperative that you get together with Christians who are strong in their faith who can share with you and pray with you.
That is why God told us we are not to forsake the assembling
of ourselves together. There is strength in unity.

Forget whether your prayer sounds hollow to you. What is your heart saying. If you really mean it in your heart that you want to receive God's forgiveness, God sees your heart and will forgive no matter how your prayer may sound to you.

It is God and His promise you have to trust. Nothing else!
He loves you more than anyone ever could. Refuse to accept
any other things the devil or other people may tell you. God is the only one who is absolute truth. He will fulfill His word.
He will forgive and restore you if you will trust Him.

Answer 7

If you don't know how to pray turn to the Psalms and read a prayer of thanksgiving. How you feel about things has nothing to do with how things really are. Satan would have you feel terrible. God forgives. If you are depressed you should see a doctor. It could be something as simple as a chemical imbalance.

Answer 8

There is NOTHING you can do to permanently seperate you from the love or grace of God if you are truly repentant. Pray what's in your heart. "Father, please forgive me" is enough. You will not change over night - you have to be willing to give God at least as much time to change your heart / behavior as you've given Satan - and it's not always going to be easy. The closer you draw to God, the harder Satan will fight to get you back. Pray for God to show you his will for your life, and then take it one day (sometimes one HOUR) at a time.


Fish's advice about praying the Psalms is EXCELLENT! I do this too. Many were written by David during desperate times in his life, so you may find something that speaks to your situation and be encouraged by David's faithfulness too!

Check out www.beliefnet.com for encouragement too!

Answer 9

Dear God,
I know you love me SO much. You gave your Son to show me this. Thank you SO much for that.

God, i know i've messed up real bad and i am sorry. i am sorry in advanced for all the things i will do and for all the times i'll doubt you. God, from now on, my life is yours. i surrender it all to you.


I don't know, something like that. God hears what's in your heart. he know's what you're thinking and feeling and knows it all before YOU know. he knows how you're feeling and he knows you're sincere. praying is just talking to God. talk to him as if you're asking for forgivness from a good friend or family member. like family, God will ALWAYS be there for you and you can always run to him. The Exception is, GOD HAS AN UNDESCRIBABLE LOVE FOR YOU AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO MAKE HIM LOVE YOU MORE OR MAKE HIM LOVE YOU LESS. remember that.

Oh, and getting involved in a good church will give you some of the support you need. My small group at church is like my group of sisters and we all pray for each other and also are just there for each other. i highly suggest it. church is a place where EVERYONE should feel loved, no matter how bad they messed up. Find one where you are comfortable.
Sam*

Answer 10

The best prayer is one that comes from your heart. Just talk to him. Tell him the things you have said here. You sound quite sincere and I believe God values that sincerity. As to all the times you have messed up in the past, don't think you are the only one. That's why we have a savior.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)