Growing Closer to God

Hi rossobass420,

I am speaking from personal experience so I am not sure if that counts but God does speak to us. But we need to be really still. It is hard to hear His voice in the din of our day to day life.

It might help if you set aside a prayer corner and a prayer time.

Just being silent before God is enough if you do not have words.

It doesn't matter if you don't think you are praying well because that is not up to us to judge. Only God knows that.

This prayer by Thomas Merton might help:

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am doing Your will does not mean I am actually doing so.
But I believe the desire to please You actually does please You.
And I hope that I have had that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will do nothing apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this, You will lead me by the right road though I know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

rossobass420:

I sent you a PM.

Hey guys, I need some help.

I've prayed for the first time in years, having prayed several times over the past few weeks. I've asked God for help in recognizing truth, coming closer to him and similar things.

What I need help with is this problem in my heart. When I pray, I can't help but feel skepticism and doubt. Maybe doubt that he'll speak to me, or doubt that I'm even talking to somebody besides myself. I've also asked God in my prayers that he help me with this issue.

If anybody can help me in what I could do to ease this problem on a personal level, I'd be so grateful. Either here on this forum, or in a personal message, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Adrienne5678
I this prayer. It just reeks victory for each day, doesn't it...

What you guys have said reminded me of a prayer I heard once that I like a lot :

"Lord, help me to remember that there is nothing that's going to happen me today that You and I, together, can't handle."

Yeah, so often our first instinct when we feel attacked or threatened is the whole fight or flight thing. But with the Lord that is not what He wants us to do.

thevickinator16 ,
I think your repsones was right in line with what the Lord shows us in His words. Turn the other cheek, they will know you are of Me because of your love. Many times if we choose not to add fuel to the flames of contention the fire will burn itself out.

spiritualunity , your right I think we all can learn by her example.

thevickinator16, you definitely have your purgatory on earth with your sister. I think that family members often serve us this way. And your response to the Holy Spirit to keep your tongue still, really helped you. I am learning that I do not have to Justify myself to others. I have been use to justifying myself from years of abuse . But,you know what? The ones who are abusers and mean and judgemental on you do not hear you anyways. They already have made their mind up about you. So, as the Bible says, wipe the dirt off your sandals and keep moving on. You did exactly that. I can learn from you doing this.
This is one thing I really love about this group. We are honest about our lives and it helps so much to know others are trying to walk the walk with Jesus and we are human and just doing our best. Thank you all for this. Truth often seems taboo these days,but here it is real.

"the ultimate laptop" good one prodigalson12 ....If you don't mind I will use what you said sometimes.
embraced, what a good example how others must of judged,Jesus, as nuts. So many Biblical stories of Jesus and His followers who were constantly thought of as nuts. We are in good company.
I am very glad you replied to me saying that about being seen as nuts. I know it will stay with me, your support,next time I am being thought of as nuts when I am following God. Thanks!

Hey everyone!

I am continually amazed at how the Lord works in me. Again yesterday I had a confrontation with my sister. spiritualunity knows my story well. For once my tongue stayed still at the most important time. I just kept repeating to Jesus to have mercy on me. After all was said and done, I was no longer angry and hurt. I felt peace in my soul and an awareness that I did the right thing. I always want to defend myself against her. I let it slide and felt better for it. My Jesus loves me and that truly is all that matters. I have to be faithful only to Him. I can do anything, as long as its His will. Suffering is part of this. I gladly (most of the time) accept this as His Will!

God Bless and thanks for listening!

"the ultimate laptop" good one prodigalson12