👨‍👧 Have You Been Waiting to “Feel” Close to God?

Let me ask you something. Have you ever delayed praying because you are not feeling it.

I’ve been there. More often than I’d like to admit.

In fact, on Palm Sunday Mass, I had a moment that really shook me but in a good way.

I realized something uncomfortable:

I’ve been measuring my relationship with God based on how I feel about what I’m doing… instead of asking,
“Is what I’m doing pleasing to God?”

That’s a big difference.

The Way We Quietly Measure Ourselves

If I'm honest, this is I mostly operate:

I think we need to feel connected to pray.
I think we need to do everything right to stay close to God.
And if I miss something like morning prayer, I spiral:

“What’s the point now?”
“Today is already messed up.”

So I wait.

I wait for my feelings to align again.
I wait to feel “worthy.”
I wait to feel more “spiritual.”

Then This Hit Me

But that’s not how relationship with God works.

That’s how self-centered spirituality works.

In the Book of Daniel, there’s this powerful prayer said in the middle of a fire:

“But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received…”
— Daniel 3:39 (RSVCE)

Think about that.

He didn’t wait for peace.
He didn’t wait for clarity.
He didn’t wait to feel anything.

He prayed in the fire.

No temple.
No rituals.
No perfect setup.

Just a humble heart.

And suddenly I saw it:

We are out here waiting for the “perfect spiritual condition”…
while God is simply asking,
“Will you come to Me right now?”

What God Actually Wants

Listen to this from St John of the Cross:

“God desires the smallest degree of purity of conscience in you more than all the works you can perform.”

Not your perfect routine.
Not your flawless track record.
Not your emotional high during prayer.

He wants a pure, honest heart.

So What Does That Even Mean?

Let’s make it simple.

A humble heart means:

You show up even when you don’t feel like it, admitting you do not feel it. 
You pray even when it feels dry without pretence... Just the truth.

It sounds like:

“Lord, I don’t feel connected today… but I’m here.”
“Lord, I messed up… but I’m not running away.”
“Lord, I don’t understand… but I trust You.”

That’s humility.

And Scripture is clear:

“A broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
— Psalm 51:17 

God never rejects that.

And What About “Purity of Conscience”?

Purity of conscience doesn’t mean you never fail.

It means:

You’re not hiding.
You’re not pretending.
You’re trying to choose what is right—even if you struggle.

It means when you miss your prayer…

You don’t spiral or entertain negative thoughts 

You say,
“Lord, I want to worship You first thing in the morning. Give me the grace and strength to achieve that”

That’s it.

No drama.
No self-condemnation.
No waiting for feelings.

Let’s Be Real for a Second

That mindset of:

“I missed one thing… so the whole day is wasted”

That’s not from God.

That’s pride mixed with discouragement.

God is not keeping score like that.

He’s inviting you back again and again.

So What Do We Do Now?

We stop waiting for the perfect feeling.

We start choosing faithfulness.

We stop asking,
“Do I feel good about this?”

And start asking,
“What does God expect me to do at this point”

Even if it’s small.
Even if it’s dry.
Even if it feels like nothing.

Because that “nothing” might actually be everything in God’s eyes.

One Simple Shift

Next time you don’t feel like praying…

Don’t wait.

Just say:

“Lord… I don’t feel it. But I’m here.”

That prayer might be more powerful
than the most emotional prayer you’ve ever said.

Let’s Pray

🙏
Lord, 
Give me humble and contrite heart,
and purify my conscience.
Teach me to seek what pleases You.
Amen. 

--

29 March 2026