How do I improve my relationship with with God?

[Johnathanmc]

I believe strongly in God but I have a problem. I don’t really feel like I have a relationship with him. When I’m praying I feel almost as if I’m talking to myself rather than to him even though I know I’m not. I find it hard to form a relationship with someone that I can’t see physically or that can’t speak back to me verbally. Because of this I find it hard to feel sorry for my sins. Of course when I commit them I realise they’re wrong and try my hardest not to commit them again but I don’t really feel like I’ve rebelled against God and offended him. I have doubt of whether I will be forgiven for my sins because of the fact that I don’t feel emotionally contrite especially if I’ve committed a mortal sin.

 

[RandomAlias]

Welcome to Catholic Answers Forums. Praise God! Believing in God and wanting to have a relationship with him is a very good start. Depending on your living circumstances, there are different ways you can strengthen your relationship with God.

Do you go to church, or do you have a church or parish? If so, look up their website, get their weekly bulletin, or call the church office and see if they offer any faith formation or faith building programs. This could include Bible study, Catechism, prayer groups, service to the needy, or lot of other things. Two aspects are key: sharing the faith with others, and learning more about God, prayer, the Mass, and Scripture.

If you like to read, there are many books and other resources that may help.

If you are in college, there is probably a Catholic ministry on or near the campus, and Sunday Masses for the college community.

If you wish to tell us more about yourself, we might have more specific recommendations.

 

[Kts1816]

Must say great post!
Keep trying,keep praying!
Love takes time
Thank you

 

[Stephen_says]

I find it hard to feel sorry for my sins. Of course when I commit them I realise they’re wrong and try

Hi!

I could have written exactly the same thing as you. There is a lot of things I want to say, but I’m not sure any of it will be useful. I do not have a strong prayer life, but I do feel a certain peace when I do pray, and though I don’t believe that God “speaks” to me, I believe this calmness and peace is my relationship with God. He calms me, and I yearn for that calm. I think God’s relationship with everyone is different, and it’s certainly not a physical relationship. I know someone people who’s relationship with God is based around music, it is what led them to their profession. That is where they feel His presence. I’m sure you are trying all you can, but maybe you need to follow some of @RandomAlias 's advice and explore different kinds of spiritual exercises to find your peace.

 

[petra22]

Welcome and I’m praying for you to have a closer relationship with Jesus. Maybe be near a crucifix when you try talking to God. (that’s a definition of prayer–talking to God!)
He understands where you are coming from. He knows this life isn’t easy. He wants your heart… We all make resolutions and we all fail. Just get back up and don’t give up talking to Jesus.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Hail Mary
St. Michael the Archangel

 

[almost2]

Mark virkler has a teaching on .
How to hear the voice of god.
It was worked 4 a lot of people

 

[RandomAlias]

When I’m praying…

What kind of prayer do you pray?

I find it hard to feel sorry for my sins. Of course when I commit them I realise they’re wrong and try my hardest not to commit them again but I don’t really feel like I’ve rebelled against God and offended him. I have doubt of whether I will be forgiven for my sins because of the fact that I don’t feel emotionally contrite especially if I’ve committed a mortal sin.

An emotional response is not required, although it can motivate a person to live rightly and avoid sin. Do you go to Confession/Reconciliation?

 

[Johnathanmc]

I don’t memorise prayers and then pray them, instead I just talk to God like I would any normal person. Admittedly I don’t pray nearly enough and I should go to confessions much more. I haven’t gone in a long time but I plan to this week.

 

[RandomAlias]

That’s a good way to pray, and a good plan to go to Confession.

In that prayer, there are different kinds of things you can say: asking God for something, thanking God for something, praising God, and more. Some people, if they are suffering (physically or emotionally), offer their suffering to God, like they are uniting their suffering to that of Jesus on the cross, to be with him in suffering because they love him. Many Catholics spend time at church in Eucharistic Adoration, which is like spending time with a friend, where you can show love to someone even without words, just by being together. There are many ways to pray. If one way seems less connected than you had hoped, try another way.