What am I doing wrong, or is there anything I can do right?

[weirleigh]

First thank you for this forum, it is difficult to ask questions sometimes and not give the impression you are demeaning the faith. I am Catholic, a convert several years ago, God has given me the knowledge to know the Church is where I should be, but that is about all I can confirm. I tend to live dazed and confused in what I should be doing, how to connect with others and more importantly to me why I do the things I do and why I am the way I am.
I believe in prayer, but it is so hard for me to do and admittedly it usually feels like a one way empty conversation. I believe in confession, yet why do I continue to sin, the same sins over and over and over again. I can attest to God’s mercy because I should be roasting right now. I cannot seem to get over the feelings of abandonment being alone permanently condemned. Some of the same things that lead me to the Church to start with. I don’t have a personal relationship with my parish priest (nothing he has done just me) often I go to mass outside the parish to be where I will not know anyone. I don’t know how to deal with others or to trust others.
The priest I had when I first converted left and I don’t know how to become part of the community and keep some sanity. I do try to go to mass it is hard sometimes and sometimes I miss it. I do not take communion without going to confession first when I have committed mortal sins, but that is hard sometimes as well, often I will go a long time without taking communion. Then as stated earlier in no time at all I am back to square one needing to go to confession again. I want God’s help; I do not deserve it and increasingly have a hard time asking for what I do not deserve. Sorry for rambling thank you very much

 

[Dorothy]

God is our loving Father and He is always ready to give us what we need and what is good for us.

Pray every day for guidance and to be consistent in the practice of the faith. I would suggest the Rosary and meditating on its mysteries.

Pray to find like-minded people who want to practice the faith and draw closer to the Lord.

Be assured that God loves you and wants you to live a joy-filled, faith-filled life. And, when we endure our trials for love of Him, we mature in the faith.

 

[tessi]

*I believe in prayer, but it is so hard for me to do and admittedly it usually feels like a one way empty conversation. *

Prayer is the basis. We all feel sometimes like is an empty conversation but you must persevere. Don’t think so much about what you feel but what it is. Talk to Jesus, make it a habit even though it may seem sometimes as the “invisible friend”. Prayer must be constant: in walking, dressing, talking to someone, always have Jesus on your mind.

 

[Monicathree]

I think first you need to take a deep breath and exhale out. Now, I say this as a person who has been known to obsess about stuff every now and then. You are way to in your own mind seeking perfection. Even St. Paul has a beautiful scripture, are you familiar with it? St. Paul says he does the very things he hates and doesn’t do what he wishes…I’ll find the exact scripture for you…

Also, faith doesn’t always “feel good” Mother Theresa, shoot, all of us have times of darkness, doubt, lonliness…you need to stay close to the sacraments, though, no matter what!! K-that is very important. I would also try seeking out a small faith community or group at yours or another parish or volunteer work where you can help others. Sometimes the best way to get ourselves and our anxieties off of our minds is to help others. Stop obsessing about your faults and what you can’t do and that nobody is socializing with you and vice versa just do something for somebody else…
Romans 7:8-25 is the scripture about which I was speaking.

I will say a special prayer for you. Also, one more thing…you should say the Rosary daily, if you can. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you are having a one way conversation…you are not.

Take care and I hope this can help you:hug3:

Also, I would ask a Priest for a special prayer and blessing, one that might include something about deliverance, as well. Right now, Satan, is not happy that you have found the true Church…