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Title: Overcoming the Struggle to Read the Bible and Pray: Practical Tips for Building a Stronger Faith
Introduction
At some point, we’ve all struggled with the feeling of not being consistent in reading the Bible or praying. Life gets busy, distractions take over, and suddenly, we realize our spiritual life is suffering. But how can we overcome these feelings and rekindle our passion for connecting with God?
1. Understand the Importance of Spiritual Disciplines
First, it’s important to remind ourselves why we need to read the Bible and pray. These practices aren’t just spiritual habits; they are lifelines to understanding God’s will and developing a personal relationship with Him.
Tip: Reflect on how your faith has been impacted when you’ve been consistent versus times you’ve neglected these practices.
2. Start Small and Build Gradually
One of the biggest mistakes we make is setting lofty goals that become overwhelming. Instead, start small—five minutes of prayer or reading a few verses daily.
Tip: Commit to something realistic and increase as your desire grows. It’s better to start small than not start at all.
3. Create a Routine and Stick to It
Consistency is key. Find a time during the day when you are least distracted. This could be early in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
Tip: Block this time on your schedule and treat it like an important appointment you can’t miss.
4. Eliminate Distractions
We often get distracted by technology, work, or even our own thoughts. Make an intentional effort to minimize distractions when you are spending time with God.
Tip: Try putting your phone on silent or leaving it in another room, and create a quiet space dedicated to prayer and Bible reading.
5. Seek Accountability
Having someone to hold you accountable can make a big difference. Find a friend, family member, or church group who can check in on your progress and encourage you.
Tip: Share your spiritual goals with them and ask for prayers and support.
6. Use Bible Apps and Devotionals
Technology can be used positively by downloading Bible apps or following daily devotionals that remind you to stay connected with God.
Tip: Set reminders on your phone or subscribe to a devotional that fits your spiritual needs.
7. Pray for Discipline and Desire
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle is our own lack of motivation. Ask God to give you a heart that yearns for His Word and desires to spend time in prayer.
Tip: Pray daily, even when you don’t feel like it, asking God to renew your strength and deepen your desire for spiritual growth.
Conclusion
Building a routine of Bible reading and prayer isn’t always easy, but with persistence, intentionality, and God’s guidance, it is possible to overcome the obstacles. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your relationship with God grow.
Blog # 1 - September 6, 2024 by Giovannyc E Perez.
Depression: You Aren’t the Only One Who Suffers
We all have a general idea of depression and how it can feel, right? We feel this dull or not so dull aching in our hearts and souls and we think we are the only ones who feel this way. Keyword: THINK. In reality, we aren’t the only ones that fall into this overused, yet effective motion from the enemy. Satan wants us all to suffer here on Earth and then in Hell. He’s Satan, of course it’s what he wants. He fills our heads with those suicidal and self-harmful thoughts.
This generation isn’t the first to go through this epidemic of depression. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalms 88. Psalms is that book written by King David and arguably the longest book in the Bible. This Psalms is heart-breaking and shattering; it literally ends saying “You have taken from me friend and neighbor – darkness is my closest friend”. King David fell victim to this sadness and aching hurt we all feel.
Want to know the good news? We have God.
In the next chapter, chapter 89, the Psalms is a declaration of love to God. We have to praise God even in our worst state. That is easier said than done, I would know I am RIGHT there with you! God will lead us through the storm like how Jesus calms the storm when his disciples are panicking. We are like that; we panic and forget that the Lord of Lords and King of Kings is right there with us. God knows this and I would like to think He face-palms himself and is like “I’M RIGHT HERE!” We are human and we are sinners, and forgetful of the Lord. Even though that is true, God has never left our side; not even for a moment.
I wanna end with one of my favorite verses; Romans 8:18 which says “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” We are going to suffer mentally, physically, and spiritually, but we have to keep our faith in God. Our reward in Heaven with Him, will be worth it and more. No more lies from the enemy, you are good enough, strong enough, worthy enough. God knew you when He made the Heavens and the Earth, isn’t that amazing?
We are God’s wondrous creation, let’s leave our problems at his feet and worship him with our hearts and soul and the enemy would no longer be able to use this tactic of depression on you ever again.
Blog #2 October 21, 2024. By Ariana R., Corning Youth
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