What dost thou recommend?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rome617
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
R

rome617

Guest
What do you recommend I do when I’m lacking faith? God bless❤
 
Last edited:
Ask for faith. Pray to God for an increase in faith.

Pray the rosary and imagine the mysteries as well as possible while you do so.

Attend the sacraments faithfully.

Read the Gospels or at least one of them again and this time slowly thinking on Our Lords words and believing them to be true.

And finally, ask again for the gift of faith knowing that your prayers are actually heard.
 
Pray. Like the father of the epileptic, say ‘Lord, help my unbelief’. Focus on opening your heart to the gift of faith.
 
Remember that faith is not a feeling, it is an act of the will in response to the grace of God. If God gives you the desire to pray, then pray. Don’t worry about whether you feel anything. Just do it.

-Fr ACEGC
 
Is this something new or has it always been that way? Have there been times when you had faith? If so, what changed? What would “having faith” look like to you? What would you do differently that would mean you now had faith?
 
I am blessed to have a Catholic Christian friend who keeps me centered when my faith falters. This friend is my only close friend who shares my faith and God strengthens my faith through her fellowship. I have to confess my sin of worry and lack of faith and repent. I also use the prayer , “I believe. Help my unbelief.”
 
Last edited:
Well, I have at times. But my heart is stubborn and expects to hear the voice of God. I don’t know what his plan for me is and pray but I haven’t gotten a response. It is clear that God is real and that he founded the holy Catholic Church. However, sometimes my prayers feel in vain.
 
rome617 said:
Well, I have at times. But my heart is stubborn and expects to hear the voice of God. I don’t know what his plan for me is and pray but I haven’t gotten a response. It is clear that God is real and that he founded the holy Catholic Church. However, sometimes my prayers feel in vain.
Click to expand...
If you know God is real, that sounds to me like you have a pretty strong foundation of faith.

Sometimes, you know, answers to prayers aren’t direct. You may feel an attraction in a certain direction, you may feel an invitation in a certain direction. Sometimes someone else may say something that points you in a certain direction (like “have you ever considered…”). Sometimes you can see that one choice leads toward the fruits of the Holy Spirit – more love, more peace, more generosity. Those are all God’s whispers to you if you are listening. But taking time in silence --.just listening – is the most important thing.

A bit of musing. I hope it helps.
 
Avoid anything that might keep taking you in this direction, such as books, TV shows, people… and go deep into good books, TV shows, people…
You should also ask for the intercession and the blessings of Our Lady, Saint Joseph, and other saints you might have some particular devotion.
 
@rome617

It is clear to you that God is real and that He founded the holy Catholic Church.
That is the grace of God right there. Rejoice in His grace. How long have you held this faith?
 
rome617 said:
What do you recommend I do when I’m lacking faith? God bless❤
Click to expand...
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief’… is the most natural and most human and most agonizing prayer in the gospels, and I think it is the foundation prayer of faith.” ( Flannery O’Connor
 
Faith. Hmmmm. I always and everywhere recommend going to your nearest parish and spending time with the One you love - Jesus Christ - either exposed in the monstrance, or reposed in the Tabernacle. Just sit there - He knows why you are there. Express your thoughts (never mind “feelings” as they come and go) to Him as you sit and contemplate the Sacramental Presence of the God made man.

Then, be as patient with Him as He has been with you. When you become aware that He is there, you will be changed.
 
I’m not Catholic yet, is it fine to think about my vocation? I sometimes wonder if I’m called to the priesthood, because I have a love of the sacraments, and desire to serve others, but I also am scared of choosing the wrong path, cause this stuff is serious. I’m know only 16 and I know I have plenty of time, but if I don’t have things sorted out I feel anxious and stressed.
 
6 months, it’s gotten progressively better, the lives of the saints, particularly the apostles and thpse who jave received the stigmata, have really helped my faith, and it is because of how God influenced their lives that I decided God is certainly real.
 
@rome617

This is the testimony of Father Mark Goring who, entered seminary at age 18

 
Last edited:
I also fear I might not be smart/social enough to be a priest. Though I’m getting better at socialization and public speaking.
 
Last edited:
rome617 said:
I’m not Catholic yet, is it fine to think about my vocation? I sometimes wonder if I’m called to the priesthood, because I have a love of the sacraments, and desire to serve others, but I also am scared of choosing the wrong path, cause this stuff is serious. I’m know only 16 and I know I have plenty of time, but if I don’t have things sorted out I feel anxious and stressed.
Click to expand...
Yes, it’s a fine thing to think about. There are steps that have to be taken in order, but thinking ahead is a good thing. Are you in RCIA? Or is that still ahead of you?

And yes, becoming a priest is a serious commitment. The good thing is that formation as a priest takes a while and there are people along the way who will help you discern if that is where God is calling you.

In addition to asking about RCIA, I’m curious about your thoughts on college. Have you thought about where you want to go and what you want to study?

No matter where things take you, focusing on your prayer life is a good thing. So is getting involved in activities at your parish. Get to know your pastor and let him know of your interest in becoming a priest.

Prayerful best wishes.
 
I started RCIA but I had to move and quit. I’d ask to start at my new parish but my parents are still looking for a house and we’re staying at family. Next year, I’ll have a permanent home so I’ll start again. I can’t wait to move. I don’t have a license yet and am just outside the suburbs, so I know from drives that I could do stuff but its all an hour walk away. I really miss adoration, but I think I’ll run there next week. I want to be more involved but I am not sure where to start. There isn’t much here anyway. Maybe at my new parish? There is a pro-life ministry though.
 
I’ve thought about college, but I’m not very mathematically inclined so I’m not sure, it seems like colleges just like to be like, “here’s a nice, math free degree…psych! Lets do calc and trig!” I’ve thought of classics (Greek and Latin literature), psychology, sociology, theology, or Chinese (though I know that this is not a very good degree choice), I’ve also thought about biology.

I’m pretty sure I want to go to Loyola University, Xavier University, or one of the Catholic Universities in my state. But I’m not sure
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top