Hey guys, I'm 17 and I have started studying the bible and getting to know a bit more about our relationship with God about 1/2 years ago so I'm still fairly new to all of this. I have been going to a religious high school / college for the last 6 years where all of the liturgies/masses have been forced upon us, so the prayers never felt 'real'. Now that I'm trying to build my relationship with God, I have been feeling as though whenever I pray, I'm just talking to myself in my head - like I'm not even talking to anyone. It makes me feel really insecure because when I have heard about other people's experiences, they all talk about this amazing love that they have and this amazing relationship that they have with God. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I can get past this stage or even if anyone has any similar feelings? Thanks
Gonna copy and paste what I said to another youngster the other day that had a similar concern. I hope it helps you:
NEVER rely on your "feelings". We can feel happy, sad. angry, compassionate...etc... Although good feelings can accompany Salvation, they are not necessarily proof of Salvation.
Feelings are TEMPORARY. TRUTH is Eternal! This is THE Gospel unto Salvation. There is NO other way in which men can be saved:
THE Gospel unto Salvation:
God wrapped Himself in human flesh in the form of His Son, Jesus the Messiah. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin. He suffered, was crucified, and died to pay OUR sin debt. He was raised to life from the grave to prove He had defeated death. If you confess Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that His Father resurrected Him to Life on the 3rd day, you WILL be saved. You will be filled, and sealed with the Holy Spirit, who will empower ALL to turn from their sins. The sin of adultery, lying, stealing, homosexuality, gossip, slander, drunkenness, covetousness, etc... And most importantly the sin of DEAD works, or a moral life in an attempt to EARN Salvation. He will also equip you to love like He did and do good works for HIS Glory.
One last thing. I went Catholic School. Most of my very large family remain Catholic. I'd greatly encourage you to find a different Church. Many heresies are taught and preached in the catholic church. Like the one you cited. Going to confession daily, weekly, monthly, whatever, to have some man absolve you of your sins, by telling you to recite 5 Hail Marys and 6 our Fathers.
You can confess DIRECTLY to Jesus. The veil has been torn. We need no priest. Too many other heresies to list now,
Be Blessed
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