Just need a jumpstart

[blueblood3]

So I am a new member here, but a lifelong Catholic.Like many, I’m sure, I have just been in this really barren place where I just feel so distant from God. There are so many things I should be doing better and I know I can’t do them alone. I have been praying a lot that God will just restore in me the desire to walk closer with Him, that He will put in me the desire to seek what He wants for me, not what I want, and for a better understanding (deeper really) of my faith. I think that’s what led me here. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on maybe why I’m in this funk and how to maybe break through it…if anyone has been here and if something has worked for you I would love it. I feel like I try so hard and that there is always something blocking me…like I try to understand the Word but I get distracted, or I try to pray but I feel like I’m going throught the motions…I hope this makes sense!

 

[3DOCTORS]

You’re definitely not alone. :hug3: I am up and down - sometimes I can tell if it’s something bothering my mind or heart that’s the problem, or if I’ve been letting myself get too distracted, or any of a number of things.

Last night at Mass I spent quite a bit of it telling the Lord that I knew I haven’t been the way I should be or would like to be, but praying as you describe for the strength and will to keep going. I don’t know sometimes if I’m experiencing dryness, depression, or distraction (and with distraction, whether it’s inevitable or I’m just not trying hard enough to fight the distractions).

I say keep praying for the desire to do better, persevering through the dryness, and we’re on the right track somehow; God will multiply our efforts . . .

 

[Dorothy]

So I am a new member here, but a lifelong Catholic.Like many, I’m sure, I have just been in this really barren place where I just feel so distant from God. There are so many things I should be doing better and I know I can’t do them alone. I have been praying a lot that God will just restore in me the desire to walk closer with Him, that He will put in me the desire to seek what He wants for me, not what I want, and for a better understanding (deeper really) of my faith. I think that’s what led me here. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on maybe why I’m in this funk and how to maybe break through it…if anyone has been here and if something has worked for you I would love it. I feel like I try so hard and that there is always something blocking me…like I try to understand the Word but I get distracted, or I try to pray but I feel like I’m going throught the motions…I hope this makes sense!

Perhaps you can get into a Scripture Study at your parish or a neighboring parish? Or an organization you would be interested in? How about Eucharistic Adoration - most parishes have that, sometimes once a week, or once a month. It is good to be with peers who are like-minded and not intimidated to discuss their faith.

Some parishes invite priests from other areas to give a mission during lent. This is sometimes given at morning times, and again in the evening for those who go to work. You can check out your parish to learn what is available, or you can look online for neighboring parishes who may have something special going on.

A Catholic bookstore should have great books on prayer. Do not be intimidated by distractions…we all have them. We just need to bring ourselves back into the prayer.

 

[tawny]

So I am a new member here, but a lifelong Catholic.Like many, I’m sure, I have just been in this really barren place where I just feel so distant from God. There are so many things I should be doing better and I know I can’t do them alone. I have been praying a lot that God will just restore in me the desire to walk closer with Him, that He will put in me the desire to seek what He wants for me, not what I want, and for a better understanding (deeper really) of my faith. I think that’s what led me here. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas on maybe why I’m in this funk and how to maybe break through it…if anyone has been here and if something has worked for you I would love it. I feel like I try so hard and that there is always something blocking me…like I try to understand the Word but I get distracted, or I try to pray but I feel like I’m going throught the motions…I hope this makes sense!

Praying for your intentions.

 

[blueblood3]

Thank you all for sharing and for your support!! It means a lot to me. . I will try all of the suggestions and just keep on keeping on. I’m happy to have found this forum!! Do any of you have favorite studies or books?

 

[MaryT777]

Sounds like you have some great ideas from the posters. I have nothing to add to the
posts but…

Welcome to the forums!~
Mary.

 

[mh2007]

When I feel that I’m running on empty, or in the doldrums, I go to the library and get books to read about Church history, from the early days and on through western European history & various countries. It provides great perspective on the many contributions made by the Church to the advancement of mankind - including arts and sciences. It is also enlightening to read about monastic life and the history of various religious orders - from their founders and right up to modern times. That rich history is truly amazing. The choices and sacrifices made by the saints in pursuit of Christian life and ideals are fascinating. It makes me feel very good to understand the traditions, and how religious thought has evolved over the millennia. Countries, civilizations, and governments come and go. But the Church continues on through it all. There is a reason for that. Human constructs are flawed and ever changing. But the Word is Eternal. And it is miraculous how the story of Jesus and his band of followers has transformed entire generations, civilizations, and world progress.

Although I have no role in the formal organization, I admire those who live their lives by the Christian code. Living an examined life is far deeper than the surface, secular existence that so many millions are living and experiencing on this Earth today. I think deeper meaning is waiting there to be discovered by anyone who seeks it, and reading / absorbing history renders the deeper sense of purpose so many are looking for.

 

[blueblood3]

Thank you. Examining Church history isn’t an angle I had considered but I’m excited to explore it more. I really appreciate your thoughtful response. You’re so right about how steadfast the Church has been and I think it would be really interesting to delve more into how the Church shaped the world and continues too. I’ll bet I deepen my understanding and faith in a lot of ways. thanks again!

 

[3DOCTORS]

I also like to go on the Vatican website www.vatican.va and poke around - read some encouraging words from the Pope, look at pictures and news, etc.

I’m a visual person, so pictures are very helpful to me - illustrated Bibles, Saints, and prayer books (some are even the children’s ones! ), because the pictures help me get a feel for the Biblical characters or the devotion or prayer.