Growing closer to God

[cmscms]

Hi Everyone,

Lately, (probably for months), I keep having this nagging feeling that I am not doing my part in growing closer to God. My prayers have been reduced to crossing myself on the way out the door in the morning and saying a quick ‘Lord help me through this day’ and before going to bed a quick ‘Thanks for the day’. I use to write a LOT in my diary and that habit has fallend to the way side a long time ago. I sue to write daily and for the past 5 years it is less than weekly and down to rarely.

I really think this is making me move farther from God. On the surface, it feels like pure lazyness, but I think there is more to it.

What are steps others use to grow closer to God. Do you have a regular routine? Or just do it when you feel like it? Also, how do you stay motivated?

Thanks

CM

 

[mylo]

Hi CM,

I’m reworking my prayer routine to accommodate my scrupulous inclinations. I don’t know if you have a spiritual director or not, but if you do, get him or her involved. I have one and it has been a blessing, to say the least.

My routine:

• morning prayer consists of a morning offering (before I leave my bed), the prayer on the Miraculous Medal (washing my hands), and grace before meals.
• During “downtime” - such as the kids napping or if they’re playing together nicely, daily Mass readings and the reflection from In Conversation With God
• After lunch we have Mandatory Quiet Time, on Wednesdays I use this time to pray a Rosary. I also read from the Holy Rule of St. Benedict daily in this time, too.
• Evening I try and do Evening Prayer, but am still working this into my routine.
• Before bed is Compline.

I try to stay motivated by simply (trying to) remember that faith is Love, not feelings. Some days I don’t feel like praying. My feelings are fickle - I have OCD which manifests itself frequently in scruples. So, I can’t put too much stock in my feelings. A good spiritual director and appropriate medical help has been a lifesaver in that regards.

My parish priest says to pray once in the morning, once in the evening, and 15 minutes of mental prayer daily. The rest will grow from there. I started with this and it has blossomed into my above routine, through the grace of God.

 

[RileyG]

Mylo- thank you for sharing. I’ve also had this problem. I’ve felt closest to God 4-5 years ago, since then I am still a very committed Christian, but have become rather lazy.
God Bless +