Q&A Home > S > Spiritual Life

I used to love reading the Bible, and spiritual books, and listening to the Praises. But lately it hasn't been like this at all. It has become so hard to pray, I feel like God doesn't hear me. So I have this emptiness inside me. I have become more distracted with earthly things and pursuits. I also have a lot of bad thoughts, thoughts of pride and judgmental thoughts I want to have peace and simplicity and to feel love for God againAnd also, I have become such a burden to myself, and one time I heard someone say a problem can be your cross. But can my own self be a cross to me?

Trust that God hears the prayers of everyone, the righteous and the sinner who wants to repent. He is standing at the door knocking, waiting for us to open. It is very true that God loves the humble and hears them "Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear" (Ps 10:17).

You need to rid yourself of pride and judging others. When we criticize the weaknesses of others, it makes us feel superior and this is judgment in a destructive form. By setting the example, we can use our gifts and power to concentrate on ourselves. We can focus our attention on positive rather than destructive actions, and quit comparing. Doing so will make us able to love others and not notice their weaknesses.

Trust that God never abandons anyone who is seeking him. What you need is perseverance and hope. Do not despair but be assured that God is stretching His Hands to you. "But we also glory in tribulations; knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character; and character hope" (Rom 5:3). Any time you try to get closer to God you should expect opposition. Satan's purpose in the world is to oppose God's work. Nevertheless, know that he is limited and he can be defeated. Have faith that when we resist him he will flee from us "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7) but again this requires perseverance and courage.

We read in the Holy Bible "Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by" (Mark 6:47), our Lord knew how much His disciples were struggling rowing the whole evening but He only came to them on the fourth watch. Our Lord knows our needs but for our own sake, He waits for the right moment to deliver us.

Pray without ceasing even if you have to force yourself to pray and even if you do not feel the benefit of prayer. Our Lord Jesus Christ promised us "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them" (Mk 11:24). Persistence is very important. It includes various elements such as perseverance, determination and intensity. To be persistent in your demand, you need first to totally refuse to accept defeat. This will bring determination to persevere and intensity in your prayers until our whole being is given to God in supplication. In the Holy Gospel of St. Luke we read that the Lord taught us the need for constant prayer and perseverance in prayer "I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs" (Lk 11:8). The same message we find in the parable of the unjust judge. In prayer, we must expect difficulties, which can be conquered by determined perseverance. Open your heart to your priest without reservation for he is capable of helping you through this time. Listen to him without doubting and accept his advice to you.