Guiding Your Journey: Tips for Growing Your Faith as a Recently Baptised/catholic Teen

As a recently baptised or confirmed Catholic teen, you might feel a mixture of excitement and uncertainty about your spiritual journey. Feeling closer to God through contemplation and understanding is a wonderful start, but sometimes it can feel a bit empty, and your prayers may not feel as deeply moving as you would like. Don't worry—knowing how to connect more deeply with God and grow your faith is within your reach. Here are some practical steps to help you on this journey.

Silence and Intentional Prayer

To truly hear God, create a quiet space for you to connect with Him. Think of prayer as an intimate and sacred conversation. One helpful method is to pen down your thoughts and feelings in a journal every night. Write a love note to God, expressing your desires, struggles, and joys. After a month, go back to read your entries and observe the changes in your heart. This reflective practice can uncover new insights and strengthen your relationship with God.

Studying the Bible with Intention

Deepening your faith through the Bible is another effective way to communicate with God. Engage deeply with the King James Version (KJV). Read and study it diligently, trusting that God has much to reveal through His word. Seek to understand the meanings and messages in the scriptures. When you encounter verses that are unclear or confusing, ask God to guide you in understanding. This active engagement will help you hear God's voice more clearly.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Many former Catholics have found that Jesus can still communicate with them directly, transcending traditional structures and church hierarchies. Trust in His promises, as recorded in the Bible, and focus on His words over the doctrines of men.

Prayer and Heartfelt Intention

Prayer is not about following a strict form or perfect syntax. God values our hearts more than our words. When you pray, aim for sincerity and depth of feeling. Include the following in your prayers:

"God, show me your truth regardless of what I have been taught to believe."

This will align your heart with God's will and open the doorway to His voice. As you persist in prayer and remain open to His direction, you'll find that He is with you on this journey, even in the most challenging moments.

To paraphrase Jesus during His time, He often emphasized the importance of a pure heart over external forms. He said, "But as for you, go and learn what this means—'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

God's desire is not to have you follow a set of rules but to experience a genuine, transformative relationship with Him. Keep going, stay faithful, and don't let discouragement hold you back. Your faith will grow, and with it, your experience of God's presence.

Key Takeaways:

Seek quiet moments for deep prayer. Engage deeply with the Bible. Include heartfelt requests in your prayers. Trust in God's leading and mercy.

God bless, friend. May this journey of faith be filled with wonder, understanding, and growth.