Catholic..?

Question

I feel as if I'm losing my faith. I don't feel like going to Church anymore, when I used to look forward to it all week. I've been praying, but I don't find myself reconnecting with the Lord, as I so desperately hope. I don't know where else to turn. (That's why I'm on yahoo.) How can I open my life to God again?? Please help, I want serious answers! :)

I don't want to change religions. I believe alot of what the Catholic faith teaches. But recently I've been questioning everything, and I don't feel His love, though I know it is there.

Answer 1

+PAX

Dearest.... This is called aridity, a dry period where your prayers are without meaning to you etc.

It is a test from God. Keep praying... pray harder than you ever have. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta went through this almost all her life. Most of the great saints have had this time as well as those who are deeply religious as you sound to be.

I have experienced this and in a way it is frightening but be assured that God is there.. right there with you. He hears you. Go to Mass. Go to Communion....don't stop for any reason. I promise you, this will end and when it does, God will be a much greater force in your life than ever before.

Beloved, you are in my heart and my prayers during this rough time.

Benedicite,
j

Answer 2

Your relationship with the Lord is dependent on the time you spend with him. Like any other relationship, the more time you spend the deeper the understanding. The more love, nurturing and joy that will come from that deeper understanding. The deeper you understand the word of God the deeper your relationship will be. Keep praying, but join a small group within your church so you can study and better understand the promises of God during this time or any challenging time. If you take the time to understand why the Bible instructs us to go to church you will soon find yourself looking forward to this event all week again! The miracles that take place each and every time you attend Mass, the cleansing, the renewing and the forgiveness of any sins.... walking out of Mass spotless and covered by the protection of Christ! If as you say, you used to look forward to church all week, then it sounds to me like you are very close to moving to a new level of understanding! Read the book of Job and understand the reward of waiting on the blessings!

Answer 3

Hi Jamie, well I guess by now you know we are all praying for you, so take heart in that. Remember that God is ever present and when He feels "far away" it's not because He has abandoned us. Rather, we may have unknowingly distanced ourselves from Him in some way. Or it may be a test of faith.

Perservere in prayer, just as you have done.

Continue to go to Mass, confess your sins and receive Christ in the Eucharist. Trust in faith that your hope and joy WILL be renewed.

Do a very thorough examination of conscience, and of your life. Is there anything that is keeping you from fully practicing yur faith. Is there an unrepented or unconfessed sin? Has someone let you down or is the world in general causing you to despair?

I can't stress enough the importance of prayer. Keep talking to our Lord Jesus. He is listening and He loves you and He is taking care of you, even now while you are going through this wilderness.

My prayers and thoughts go with you!

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 4

Jamie, I have just said a prayer for you. Email me if you need any more prayers during the coming weeks. I will pray faithfully to see you through. I have a prayer group and we meet often. This can be a testing. THROUGHOUT this whole time stay loyal to the Lord. Even though you feel disconnected. This may also be a time for self examination. Are there any unrepented sins? Confess them to Him. You have to be remorseful and turn away from the sins. Also, fasting and continuous prayer. Faith as well. He is faithful even when we are not = you need to be just as faithful. Job was faithful to the Lord even though he was severely tested. These trials can strenghten our faith and our walk with the Lord. Also, MAKE YOURSELF GO TO CHURCH - REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU FEEL (the devil just needs a crack to sneak in). Try to go daily and receive Christ. This is a weapon you can use against the devil. READ SCRIPTURE AT THE DEVIL. Cast the devil out in Jesus's name. Pray for the Holy Spirit and protection of God to surround you like a shield. Btw, I have been through this too. What the Benedictine above me just said is true.

Holy Spirit prayer: Oh come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of the faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and you shall create anew. And you shall renew the face of the earth. O God by the light of the Holy Spirit who entrusted the hearts of the faithful. Grant that through the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and rejoice in His consolation throught Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God bless you!

Answer 5

At some point in every Catholics life we are tested, in most cases it is suffering or greed, lust or any of the seven deadly sins.
In your case it seems like you are burnt out, a retreat always refreshes the soul, try a Monastery.
Also everyone benefits from Spiritual direction, there are people who are wiling to guide you into a deeper faith, contemplative prayer, singing, fasting, acts of Penance. A great time for penance is at the beginning of Advent, this is the time when we should follow Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. We should think of the murder of the children/Holy souls by Herod. Then Christmas will be the celebration it is truly meant to be.

Answer 6

God's always there, even when it feels like He isn't. Many times, without warning, God's presence in our lives seems to diminish for a period of time. In all actuality, God hasn't gone anywhere, but He does this to kee us from becoming too complacent with God's presence.

If God is always there, without question, sooner or later, one is going to begin to take God for granted. To prevent this from happening, God will make it seem as if He's disappeared. He is just trying to keep us on our spiritual toes.

You know the old addage, "Sometimes you don't realize how much something, or someone, means to you until it's gone." This is a classic warning against taking anything or anyone for granted.

It may very well be you are not guilty of taking God for granted. Remember what the Bible has to teach about the ease of worship when things are going well in our lives, and how usually it is only the Truely Faithful who retain the Faith to worship God in times when things are not so good.

Answer 7

Well, you're not alone in this "dark night of the soul." It happens to many of us. Even to Mother Teresa.

Personally, I believe that when this happens, it's God's way of asking us how devoted we really are. Will we still love Him and serve Him and live the way He wants us to live even if we don't get any bit of comfort or encouragement from Him? When I have asked myself this question, I find the strength to persevere.

Mother Teresa found her answer in pouring herself out for the poor. Have you considered what gifts that you have that you can use in service to other people? What can you do to show the love of Christ to people who need Him?

Also, bear in mind that going to church when you don't feel like it is more of a sacrificial offering to the Lord than going to church when you *do* feel like it. Just offer it up. Tell Him, "You know I don't feel like being here, Lord, but I am here for Your sake."

I am praying for you today. Take heart that you are not alone and keep persevering.

Answer 8

definite, i'm a practising Catholic. I do sense undesirable while, at Christmas and Easter, all those "two times a 300 and sixty 5 days" Catholics come out - yet then I understand that it could be worse. it could ok be achievable they do no longer come out in any respect. this is basic for somebody, who attends Church a week, to bypass to Mass on Christmas, Easter, and Holy Days of criminal duty. I in many cases ask your self in basic terms how plenty extra problematical it fairly is for human beings, who do no longer attend Mass usually, to get out and bypass to Mass some time consistent with 3 hundred and sixty 5 days. we gained't think of it, with the aid of fact all of us understand what we would be lacking. i do no longer think of those "two times a 300 and sixty 5 days" varieties can completely celebrate with what it fairly is they are lacking. in the event that they did, they had be at Mass extra effective than two times a 300 and sixty 5 days. i'm proud to be Catholic, so this is each and all the extra disappointing when I see human beings taking an "oh hum: techniques-set in the direction of their vocation as lay Catholics. All we can truly do approximately it fairly is pray, and desire that they occasion we set will, sometime, inspire them to start residing the Catholic life-form all 3 hundred and sixty 5 days around.

Answer 9

Think of Mother Teresa who questioned her faith every day while comforting the dying poor. Keep going to Mass. If you live in an area with several Catholic churches go to another one. I found a church where the priest gives wonderful sermons that gives us hope.

I wouldn't bother reading about other religions if you don't want to change from being Catholic. As I understand it, you don't feel connected to God; reading about other religions won't change that. Pray, go to Mass & hang in there.

Answer 10

have you asked God to increase your faith?
because if you have that is what He is doing..

i would suggest going to Confession and spending some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament.. just let it all out.. tell Jesus what's on your mind.. don't be afraid to cry to him.. let it all out!

Catholicism is where it's at.. also deepen your relationship with Mary.. that is a great way to get to Jesus.. also pray the Rosary a lot and keep one with you at all times.. praying the Rosary is one of the best forms of prayer..