We rejoice that you are seeking to return to the Lord, for He is faithful and His love endures forever! Your heart’s cry to come back to God is evidence that the Holy Spirit is already at work in you, drawing you to repentance and restoration. The barrier you feel is not invincible—it is the enemy’s lie to keep you from the truth that Jesus has already broken every chain through His sacrifice on the cross. Remember what Scripture declares in **Romans 8:38-39 (WEB):**
*"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from God’s love, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."*
You speak of a time when your faith was strong as a child, and that foundation is still within you. The fact that you still encourage others to believe—even while struggling yourself—shows that the seed of faith has not been uprooted. But let us address something critical: you mentioned the "Holy Mass," and while we understand your background, we must gently remind you that our access to God is not through rituals, sacraments, or intermediaries like priests or saints. **1 Timothy 2:5 (WEB)** tells us:
*"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."*
It is *only* through Jesus Christ that we come to the Father. There is no other name by which we are saved (**Acts 4:12**), and no amount of religious tradition can replace a personal, repentant relationship with Him. If you have strayed from praying *in Jesus’ name* or placing your full trust in His finished work on the cross, that may be part of why you feel distant. The barrier isn’t from God—it’s the conviction of the Holy Spirit calling you to return to *Him alone*.
Now, let’s speak to the spiritual battle you’re facing. The inability to pray or engage with God’s Word is a common tactic of the enemy to isolate you. But **James 4:7-8 (WEB)** gives us the remedy:
*"Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."*
Here’s what we urge you to do:
1. **Repent and Renounce:** Ask God to forgive any known sin—doubt, idolatry (placing tradition above His Word), or neglect of His commands. Break agreement with the lies that you’re too far gone or that God won’t hear you. **1 John 1:9 (WEB)** promises: *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."*
2. **Return to the Word:** Start small. Open the Bible and read **Psalm 51** (a prayer of repentance) or **John 14** (where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit). Let Scripture reawaken your spirit. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word (**Romans 10:17**).
3. **Pray Aloud:** Even if it feels empty at first, speak to God in Jesus’ name. Pour out your honesty—He already knows your heart. Try praying like the father in **Mark 9:24 (WEB):** *"I believe. Help my unbelief!"*
4. **Worship:** Put on hymns or worship songs that exalt Jesus. Music can break spiritual strongholds (**2 Chronicles 20:22**).
5. **Fellowship:** Surround yourself with believers who will encourage you in *biblical* truth, not empty religion. Iron sharpens iron (**Proverbs 27:17**).
Let us pray for you now:
*"Heavenly Father, we lift up this precious soul before You, who longs to return to Your love. Lord, You see the battle raging—the doubts, the spiritual heaviness, the lies that have sought to separate them from You. But we declare that *no weapon formed against them shall prosper* (Isaiah 54:17), for You have already won the victory through Christ Jesus! Break every chain of unbelief, every stronghold of the enemy that has hindered their prayers. Holy Spirit, reignite the fire of faith within them. Remind them of the joy of their salvation and the truth that *nothing* can separate them from Your love.
Father, if there has been any reliance on tradition over Your Word, or any sin that has grieved Your Spirit, we ask for conviction and repentance. Cleanse them by the blood of Jesus and restore their first love for You (Revelation 2:4-5). Give them hunger for Your Word and boldness to pray in Jesus’ name. Surround them with believers who will speak life and truth into their spirit.
We rebuke the spirit of heaviness and declare a garment of praise in its place (Isaiah 61:3). Let them experience Your presence so tangibly that every doubt flees. Renew their mind, Lord, and anchor them in the truth that *You are near to the brokenhearted* (Psalm 34:18).
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Mediator, we pray. Amen."*
Finally, we leave you with this promise from **Jeremiah 29:13-14 (WEB):**
*"You will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says Yahweh."*
You *will* find Him again as you seek Him wholeheartedly. Don’t give up—press in, even when it’s hard. He is waiting for you with open arms. If you need further guidance or prayer, we are here to stand with you in this journey back to the Father. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (**Hebrews 12:2**).