Stuck in a Rut

[David of Derby]

Hello all,

For some times now I've been feeling like I'm stuck in a rut with my faith. I get up on Sunday, fully intending to go the Mass, but when the time comes I just don't want to go. I make excuses to myself, still tired, don't feel well, etc. I don't spend much time in prayer, either. If I pass the church in the town centre I usually go in and pray, but it's rare that I'm down that end of town. I do still feel called to the ministry, and I still read books on theology and Bible study, but otherwise I'm hardly practicing my faith.

I'm really not sure what to do. I want to get back on track, but then my laziness kicks in and I want to do something else, stay at home, etc. I think a pilgrimage would do me good but I've got no money to make a journey anywhere. Even the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is too far, never mind somewhere like Canterbury or Glastonbury.

I've got a lot of stress and worries in my life right now. I know Jesus promised to help carry these kinds of things, but I don't know how to ask Him. Or how to ask to help carry the Cross for Him.

Can anyone offer any insight or suggestion?

[Isaiah 6:8]

Not sure about insight, at this second, but I will be praying!

[David of Derby]

Not sure about insight, at this second, but I will be praying!

Thanks. I appreciate your prayers for me.

[Isaiah 6:8]

Not sure about insight, at this second, but I will be praying!

Thanks. I appreciate your prayers for me.

Your welcome!

[enoob57]

Well the entirety of the Spiritual Life is coursed through the intake of God's Word as God The Holy Spirit teaches it (many will give you their idea of it)... It is not what we say with our words but what we actuate in our being lies the truth of a matter! Love Steven

[joi]

Contributing fators: Not praying and not getting into the Word of God. It will get us down every time.

[ears]

I will be interested in reading the responses to this post David. I also have for quite a while been yearning for a closeness with Jesus that I had once. I've been reading my Bible allot more than normal and I normally read quite a bit. I've been praising him and praying

I pray that you find that closeness you desire and would you please pray for me. I'm not comfortable where I'm at, I need to be closer. God Bless

[Guest]

I'm interested to see what other replies might be posted here. I'm having that sense of, "Is this all there is?" to my walk, and its been going on for some time.

[joi]

I am glad that Daisy replied here because in re-reading the answers I was reminded that there is often a recurring problem when we get 'in a rut'.

The Bible gives us insight regarding a particular problem, which is unconfessed sin. I have found that if I do not confess a sin, regardless of how small or insignificant it is, that I fail to confess it when I pray at a later time. Why? Because I have forgotten it by that time.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Psalm 66:18

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

All three of these verses begin with a word of condition: IF

If we confess God forgives, if we do not, read Ps. 66:18 again.

Not being heard causes our prayers to remain unheard, which relates to being unanswered, IMO.

Once we have confessed this happens:

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

We serve a faithful God Who performs that which He said He would do.

[Littlelambseativy]

He wants you to talk to Him as you speak to us - friend to friend - loved one to loved one. He knows your thoughts anyway before you think or say them so just talk to hIm. He needs not you to take up HIS cross He wants you to take up YOUR cross and follow Him. Perhaps the church to which you are going is not fulfilling enough. I fully understand the changing of churches. I would rather worship at home than go to a church that is foreign to me but listen to good ministries on the TV if there are any or on the net. Read your Bible and get a good study to go with it. I am not certain what is available in England perhaps others can help. May God guide you in His direction.