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George_M
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Can anybody give me any hints on building faith, and what worked the best for them. Thanks George 
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John_Henry
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Prayer and reading. Anything. Immerse yourself in things of God. For me specifically, my faith in God took off when I started reading CS Lewis. I devoured all of his (major) books, and they helped me to see life in a new light. Meditate on what he has done for you. Spend much time in prayer, or reading the Scriptures. Get together with people who love the Lord.
R
rfk
Guest
Just a couple of thoughts. First, we call it the “Gift of Faith”, in that the first desire for faith is a gift of God’s grace. However, we also have a role to play in it. We can cooperate with God in trying to seek Him.
One of the things I appreciate about Catholicism is that it isn’t a religion that is solely based on how I “feel” about God. First, it is an objective reality whether I believe it not. It is a faith that is meant to engage all parts of our being human, including our ability to reason, to love, and to endure.
So we thus have several avenues we can pursue in our desire for faith. Regular daily prayer is obvious – and critical. (A daily rosary is a great place to start!) We can and should make frequent use of the sacraments to be able to benefit from their graces, especially Confession and Holy Communion. Since Catholicism also engages the intellect, reading and educating myself on the faith has been fruitful. As I learn from various books and tapes about God and our Church, it has definitely helped my faith. Acts of charity and penance help our pursuit of holiness.
Finally, I would like to point out that the very fact you have a desire and a thirst for Faith is proof that the Holy Spirit is already working within you to help draw you close to Our Lord. Even the Saints have times of spiritual dryness, so bring any doubts or fears to Christ as an offering and ask him to help you with your faith. Seek and ye shall find!
One of the things I appreciate about Catholicism is that it isn’t a religion that is solely based on how I “feel” about God. First, it is an objective reality whether I believe it not. It is a faith that is meant to engage all parts of our being human, including our ability to reason, to love, and to endure.
So we thus have several avenues we can pursue in our desire for faith. Regular daily prayer is obvious – and critical. (A daily rosary is a great place to start!) We can and should make frequent use of the sacraments to be able to benefit from their graces, especially Confession and Holy Communion. Since Catholicism also engages the intellect, reading and educating myself on the faith has been fruitful. As I learn from various books and tapes about God and our Church, it has definitely helped my faith. Acts of charity and penance help our pursuit of holiness.
Finally, I would like to point out that the very fact you have a desire and a thirst for Faith is proof that the Holy Spirit is already working within you to help draw you close to Our Lord. Even the Saints have times of spiritual dryness, so bring any doubts or fears to Christ as an offering and ask him to help you with your faith. Seek and ye shall find!
H
Hesychios
Guest
Glory to Jesus Christ!
I know this is going to seem strange.
My answer would have been just like John Henry’s answer! In fact, his is better.
I wholeheartedly agree about reading C.S. Lewis (heck, even audiotapes in the car, the Srewtape letters are a scream!)
But do not neglect your scripture reading, particularly the Gospels and the Psalms.
I read the Psalms for years, later I started doing Morning and Evening prayer of the Holy Office (adding Night Prayer later). Believe me, this will give your Faith strength and balance. Not too much this, not too little of that. Remain focused upon Christ, an appreciation of the Saints and Early Fathers of the Church can only follow from a deep foundation in Christ.
You might like to read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a’Kempis. I found the first part very helpful to me many years ago.
Your media choices may be affected by all of this, go with it. You need to surround yourself with a supportive environment.
Trust in the Lord, Hope in Him. Ask and you shall recieve, knock and you shall enter!
Michael. that sinner
I know this is going to seem strange.
My answer would have been just like John Henry’s answer! In fact, his is better.
I wholeheartedly agree about reading C.S. Lewis (heck, even audiotapes in the car, the Srewtape letters are a scream!)
But do not neglect your scripture reading, particularly the Gospels and the Psalms.
I read the Psalms for years, later I started doing Morning and Evening prayer of the Holy Office (adding Night Prayer later). Believe me, this will give your Faith strength and balance. Not too much this, not too little of that. Remain focused upon Christ, an appreciation of the Saints and Early Fathers of the Church can only follow from a deep foundation in Christ.
You might like to read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a’Kempis. I found the first part very helpful to me many years ago.
Your media choices may be affected by all of this, go with it. You need to surround yourself with a supportive environment.
Trust in the Lord, Hope in Him. Ask and you shall recieve, knock and you shall enter!
Michael. that sinner
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