I suddenly felt the need to be closer to God

[sayhellototheworld]

I don't even know how to start this thread or what exactly I want to say.
I was raised in Catholic family and hated it. I could not understand the rules, I thought priests are mean, then I saw most of them are bad example, it was all about money and so on. I drifted apart from Church, prayer, I was an atheist and I didn't feel any need to have any faith or spiritual life.
I'm almost 31 now and I feel that God is calling me back (?). I am really feeling the need to follow words of Jesus, to have faith, to do good in his name, serve my family and community. I don't want to be part of Catholic Church though. I'm really curious and excited, but also little bit confused. Can I ask you to keep me in your prayers and ask if you have some words of encouragement or support for me, how to find answers and myself in this totally new situation?

[CoconutQueen]

It will happen OP. Very happy for you. I'm quite sure this will continue to unfold as God would like it to.

[Kdtym10]

You don’t need to be a member of any organised religion to be close to God, in fact it probably helps if you’re not.

[Tilllly]

Of course @sayhellototheworld 🙏

You could try wandering into a local church or two. Doesn't have to be Catholic, pretty sure God doesn't care

[jellymaker]

If you are the uk, try this site to find a church. www.achurchnearyou.com/

Start by reading the new testament. The bible app by nicki and pippa gumble is brilliant. Easy to find on the app store and really great explanations on what the bible means.

Start praying that God will reveal himself to you. That's how I started.

Enjoy your journey into faith. I will pray for you.

[Unexpectedlysinglemum]

@sayhellototheworld

I don't even know how to start this thread or what exactly I want to say.
I was raised in Catholic family and hated it. I could not understand the rules, I thought priests are mean, then I saw most of them are bad example, it was all about money and so on. I drifted apart from Church, prayer, I was an atheist and I didn't feel any need to have any faith or spiritual life.
I'm almost 31 now and I feel that God is calling me back (?). I am really feeling the need to follow words of Jesus, to have faith, to do good in his name, serve my family and community. I don't want to be part of Catholic Church though. I'm really curious and excited, but also little bit confused. Can I ask you to keep me in your prayers and ask if you have some words of encouragement or support for me, how to find answers and myself in this totally new situation?

Church of England churches are lovely and welcoming if you want to pop into one or two to try out

I feel like this sometimes and I've considered doing the alpha course

[wannabetraveler]

I'm so happy for you, OP! I went through a similar situation about 10 years ago and my life has been immeasurably enriched. I went "church shopping" until I found a good fit (it didn't take long); there are so many options out there. I'll be keeping you in my prayers.

[Scrollingagain]

And this is my prayer that your love may abound more and more in the knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians ch 1 v 9-11

This book is in the New Testament and written by Paul

God reminded me of this verse after I lost my original message to you when looking for websites to link you to.

I definitely agree start with The Bible app by Nicki Gumble.

[Skye99]

Hi OP, that’s exciting! I think probably God is drawing you to himself. Jesus said, ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.’ (John 6.44.) I prayed for you.

I would suggest:

• Try this prayer: ‘God, if you exist, I want to tell you that I am an earnest seeker after truth. Show me if you are real. Show me if the Bible is from you. Show me if Jesus is your Son and the one who came to save the world. If you bring conviction to my heart, I will trust him as my Saviour and follow him as my Lord.’ I used that as a seeker. John Stott, who wrote it, says it is impossible to pray such a prayer and be disappointed.
• Read the Bible. I’d start with the four gospels (they’re not that long), and maybe Isaiah chapter 9 verses 1-7 and Isaiah chapter 53. 
• Talk to God in prayer. Talk about what you just read in the Bible and about anything else you want. 
• Ask God to show you a good church for you. Try different churches and see if you feel attracted to one.
• Try an Alpha course or the 321 online course. https://speaklife.org.uk/321course/

Here’s a Bible passage for you:

‘“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord’. 
(Jeremiah 29.13-14.)

Come back here with any questions. DM me if it would help. All the best!

[DogandMog]

Try saying the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." If you have a small prayer rope or rosary this helps with the recitation, otherwise just use your fingers. Just say a few times to start with, with a sense of open mindedness and curiosity, and see how you feel. It comes from the Orthodox tradition, but has been adopted by Catholics, Anglicans and others, as it’s so universally meaningful to all Christians. There’s so much theology packed into 12 words. It’s powerful at kickstarting your prayer life and relationship with God.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jesus-Prayer-Bishop-Kallistos-Ware/dp/1860828930/?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

“The Jesus Prayer is the most popular devotional prayer in the Orthodox Church and increasingly popular in the West. A simple and direct method of invoking the mercy of Jesus Christ by repeating his Holy Name, it is a way of obeying St Paul's instruction to "pray always". In an increasingly noisy and frenetic world, the Jesus Prayer offers us an oasis of inner peace and a lifeline back to God.”

[JustForWomen]

Love how God is calling people to him all over the world.

Bible Study Fellowship is another option (online or in person) if you want to study the Bible with other believers.
www.bsfinternational.org/

I'm a bit burned by religion so would be wary rushing into churches. Having a relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is amazing and life changing. From darkness to light.

[sayhellototheworld]

Thank you very much for all the kind messages and prayers, it means a lot to me. I downloaded the Bible app and doing my daily readings. Thank you for all the resources and prayers, I very often don't know what I want to tell but I trust God knows my thoughts and needs anyway. It's all so very new for me, I was away from God for a long time and feeling like I found a missing puzzle.

[Tilllly]

God understands even when you can't articulate

[JustForWomen]

Prayer is a time He can speak to you, not just a time for you to speak to him. Make time for him to speak too.

He already knows what you need (he created you with those needs) and what you have done. You can tell him anyway.

[JustForWomen]

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[JustForWomen]

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[VincitVeritas1]

@JustForWomen

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Can I get an Amen?!

[VincitVeritas1]

[That was supposed to show the last picture btw]. @JustForWomen

[Tilllly]

How're you doing @sayhellototheworld ?

[FuzzyPuffling]

Isn't it lovely?
I shall pray for you on your journey.

[sayhellototheworld]

@Tilllly thank you for asking, I signed up to alpha course 😊Also downloaded the app with daily Bible readings and I read them while my son is having a nap. I'm praying to God with my own words asking for direction and help. I'm about to start my "church shopping", baptist churches seem the most appealing to me!

[sayhellototheworld]

@FuzzyPuffling thank you 🤗

[Tilllly]

☺️

Let us know how the shopping goes!!

[jellymaker]

Have been praying for you OP. So exciting for you. So glad the app is proving useful.

[ZenNudist]

@sayhellototheworld I will pray for you. I have been through something very similar. Good luck following your heart. Do what feels right and also be watchful for signs that something might not be right for you. Give everything time and space. You dont have to do it all at once. Small steps will move you in the right direction and I pray that you end up in a happier and more settled place. Religion brings a wonderful dimension to life and encourages good actions.

There's some really good online content. I love love Fr Mike Schmitz who really helped me coming back to faith. His YouTube videos are brilliant. I also liked Pete Greig talking about how to pray and read some of his books on his 24/7 prayer movement. I always find evangelical a bit strange and off-putting but equally their enthusiasm and dynamism is inspiring.

I never thought Catholic priests were nasty (just boring!!) but I know there's a lot of people who don't represent their faith well so I believe you when you say you've met some nasty priests. I would say they aren't all like that. I love the priests I have come across since coming back to faith. I used to find Church really dull and now it's not at all!

Don't rule out Catholic mass entirely. I found mass really grabbed me. It transported me back to my childhood and dug up a deep emotional connection. My head filled with all the prayers. I love the hymns. I found the whole thing overwhelming. You say you didn't understand the rules back then, but mass is more for adults and you don't need to worry about "the rules" just slip into church and see what's going on. I found talking to my priest really helped once I found my feet.

I should be interested to hear how you get on.

[Thegreatestoftheseislove]

@Tilllly

God understands even when you can't articulate

This!