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?

@sayhellototheworld

Please try another church denomination, can i suggest C of E, Methodist or a local Evangelical church? Will say a prayer, thinking of you.

@ZenNudist my opinion of Catholic Church is probably because I'm Polish and lots of horrible stuff has been happening there, such as sexual abuse of children. I met so many nasty Catholic priests in my life too, they put me off completely of attending the mass. Also I could not understand the rules, such as fasting depending on age. I couldn't see Christ in all this.

I went twice to non-denominational service and loved it so far. They focus on bible, atmosphere is lovely. I had to cancel my Alpha course due to my husband's job, because it would mean I would greet him at the door and pass him baby to look after right after work, so it wasn't ideal. Maybe I will look for one somewhere else or online. I do enjoy Bible app though.

Thank you very much all for your prayers and thoughts, I am so so grateful 🌹

It's very interesting and joyous stage in my life, I never thought God will call me, I was considering myself as the one that will never have any spiritual life.

Also I have found myself thinking few times already what Jesus would think of someone/some situation and it really helped me see things in more humane and understanding way 🌺

WWJD
What would Jesus do

This is fabulous OP. Don't worry about defining yourself, just pray and go with it. Would listening to hymns be your thing? It is such a lovely way to worship (and your baby could hear the nice music too).
I have had faith all my life but hadn't actively worshipped for years. Until my beloved gran died and I met a new friend who is a vicar and helped me. I now pray with her (I have never prayed with anyone in my life) and for her, let her pray for me, and I am again in a church community. I am so sad at the moment family wise, but this has helped me immensely.
I will pray for you, all the very best.

Hello everyone, apologies for the silence. I'm still here, but my son is keeping me busy and whenever I try to post something, he tries to grab my phone. I am trying to read the Bible everyday (Pippa's app), I decided that from tomorrow I would like to go for prayer walks. I would also like to buy paper Bible, I thought about The Message, as I like the translation, it seems the most understandable to me. My husband said he would like to go with me one day to the church I go to, which is great.

I'm hoping everyone is OK, thank you for keeping me in your prayers xxx

@sayhellototheworld

Morning OP, I hope you and your family are all well. Can I share some Scripture that is appropriate?
From Proverbs Chapter 8, verse 17
" I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me."
Verse 35 " For those who find me find life
and receive favour from the Lord"

That's great @sayhellototheworld only I'd advise against getting The Message as it's not so much a translation of the Bible as the author's interpretation of it - very different things! The New Living Translation is better if you like that sort of style.

@sayhellototheworld just caught up on this thread thanks to @Topiography

I find it so uplifting to hear how you have found a spiritual dimension to life. I sometimes find it baffling how large religion looms in my life now compared to where I was a few years ago (2019 I think). It has been so good for me. Learning about the bible and larger questions of faith and taking part in weekly worship and being part of the church community and being more charitable.

I pray that this calling brings many blessings for you and your family.

Listen to a free audio book of Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. It's a really clear book and although old has a relevant message for today.

Good evening everyone, sorry for the radio silence. I read all the post, thank you so much for offering a prayer for me. I am getting baptised Sunday next week, I’m really looking forward to it x

That's lovely news about your baptism. I hope you have an exciting, blessed and thoroughly meaningful day.

That is wonderful news.

That’s fantastic! Praise God! 🙌🏻💕