Lukewarm Trying Many Things to Change

[mfdc]

How does one overcome Lukwarmness? I’ve been trying for a long time. I had a reversion in college didn’t really leave but took faith for granted realized tried to change it but 2 years later still struggling to keep a prayer routine. I go through spurts and will talk to Hod during day when I remember. Praying in the morning, Rosary, and prayers at night. I don’t have a clear direction in my life and anxious about a lot of things. I pray novinas and forget to finish, start retreat books miss days stop. I joined several catholic groups. I work till 9:30-6 so daily Mass doesn’t work for my commute to work. I’m praying for a new job or graduate school because my current employment causes me anxiety everyday. I’m afraid after a year and a half of loosing my job and being a failure. I have set reminders on my phone but will mark remind in 15 and sometimes forget or miss reminder. When I pray rosary my mind wonders from mystery or I stop praying because I loose track. I try. I’m at a crossroads I’ve asked God for help but I’m naturally lazy and the devil attacks hard. I wear a scapular and miraculous medal they aren’t magic cures, but I need divine help and your prayers. I don’t know how to take onus. I’ve tried everything. I give up Netflix then watch YouTube. It’s annoying cycle! Young Catholic needing help to overcome what seems impossible and need prayers to discover vocation! I’ve posted about this before during college. Scared of the unknown and of change.

Mfdc

 

[Beryllos]

It sounds like you are taking on quite a lot of disciplines and practices. If those “Many Things” are not working for you, it might be time to simplify. Set aside the many things and go back to basics. Love God. Love your neighbor. In prayer, you do not need to recite many prayers. Talk to God, and listen (or look around, or just be receptive) to his response. Pray that you may have faith, hope, and love. Give thanks and praise to God. Ask for what you need. Pray for forgiveness, healing, and help. Keep it simple.

I was wondering if your attention and energy issues are sleep-related. Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Try to get to bed at a reasonable hour, and stay away from video entertainment for an hour or two before bedtime. Also avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and weed.

 

[mfdc]

I would never smoke any drugs and could probably do with a few more hours. I will definitely try to go back to the basics. Seems like the most logical thing.

 

[robertmidwest]

I would never smoke any drugs and could probably do with a few more hours. I will definitely try to go back to the basics. Seems like the most logical thing.

You sound pretty restless. How much exercise do you get? A lot of times that will help with focus and anxiety.

Don’t beat your self up over where you are in your prayer life. That discipline will come with time.

 

[puzzledtoo]

I would have to agree with the previous posters regarding letting go of some of the practices you’re already struggling with and to get some exercise. Exercise helps to settle the monkey mind or puppy mind. Less prayers but the ones you stick with do mindfully and with conviction-quality not quantity.
I’ve read on caf and heard on ewtn that instead of cramming a bunch of praying into the day(making prayer your work) and making yourself anxious when you fall short maybe try making work an offering of prayer. Take care.

 

[esieffe]

I think you might find getting active in one of the many church ministries to be of help. There is working once a month in a shelter serving food, or working with the Knights of Columbus. You could check into doing some volunteer work outside the church as well.

There are organizations such as Volunteer Match that combine your interests with organizations that need help.

Another idea might to simply be, go out and have some fun. Take a Canopy tour… hook up to a zipline and fly from platform to platform up in the trees! Make a commitment to have some fun! There are also volunteer vacations that go all over the world at reasonable prices. I will pray about it for you.

 

[cjb_914]

I’d recommend you look into St. Francis de Sale. He has a simple and effective approach to growing in holiness for busy people.

A good starting point for it is Live Today Well by Fr. Thomas Dailey. I enjoyed it, and he outlines the exercises recommended by St. Francis de Sale. Plus it’s a relatively quick read

 

[peter26]

Here’s a thought. You say you can’t attend Daily Mass. But why not go the extra mile on Sunday when you can and try to dedicate the day to the Lord. Do one extra thing every Sunday. Go to two Masses. Or say the Rosary or the Divine Office. Do something on a Sunday extra beyond what is required. Then if you have less time in the week due to work, just focus on saying some brief prayers before bed and don;t beat yourself up if you can’t do more: you are doing extra when you are able.