How does one recieve intimate communion with God?

[Pope_Noah_I]

The other day, I stumbled upon a massive problem. So, i, being the devout Catholic that I am, sat and prayed about it. Then, somthing dawned upon me, when I pray, I feel nothing. I have no emotional contact. I feel like I’m talking to myself. I know Saints that have had such great spiritual lives that was sustained by a great zeal for God. My greatest desire is to become a Priest, but I realize that I cannot take a step further until i can achieve this interior relationship with God that others have had. How does one go about developing this relationship?

 

[diligamus]

From what I know, the saints had the same problem as you. They experienced these periods of dryness. Blessed Mother Teresa felt the same way as you do now for 40 years. The solution? Keep on praying.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I was going to cite Mother Theresa too. Other than that, make your daily itinerary something like this:

8:00 a.m. wake up, pray
9:00 eat breakfast, pray
10:00 work, pray
12:00 lunch, pray
1:00 work, pray
5:00 eat dinner, pray
maybe 7:00 do acts of charity or penance, pray
9:00 relax, pray
10:00 pray, go to bed

I also think you need some spiritual direction, perhaps from someone in clergy, to help you discern if this sense of waiting on your part is devilish trickery to prevent you from becoming a priest.

 

[puzzleannie]

many or most mature Christians no longer feel a strong emotional connection in prayer, it is a necessary stage in the spiritual life, and can last for years, even for most of the rest of your life. the key is to remain faithful in prayer, especially the basics the sacraments, Mass, scripture reading, penance and charity, , and not go haring off after new and exciting spiritual experiences.

please visit this thread started by barbarateresa
forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=203823
a great discussion of Christian prayer

any of her threads are excellent guides to sound links on spirituality and prayer