Not Me...Ever part 2

[Orich]

Serenity,
St. John of the Cross called it "the long, dark night of the soul". Many of us people of faith have experienced it. I am experiencing it right now. I was in formation to become an ordained deacon when the bomb was dropped. Suddenly, where I used to be filled with the joy and conviction of the presence of God, I felt nothing. My personal relationship suddenly seemed to be a sham. I'll admit I am still in this darkness, it runs simultaneously with the Great Sadness. But on the advice of formation leaders and ministers, I forge through this time, knowing that God is there. I continue to reflect on one ordained minister who said he went through this, and suddenly one day he felt the presence of God return in an overwhelming way.
One way I work my way through this is instead of my usual "conversational" prayers, prayers where I just generally spoke to God like I was speaking to a friend, I know pray established prayers. I can't talk to Him like I used to be able to because it is difficult to feel His presence. So, I pray the Rosary daily. At night before bed I pray Vespers. During the day, an Our Father here, and a Hail Mary there. When I get hit with bad news, or start to get very negative about my W, I will say the prayer to St. Michael.
Very importantly, you have to know that you are not alone, that many other people of faith go through this. Look at Mother Teresa. When I first felt the emptiness, it was devastating. But then I read about those others who have experienced it and it has helped. I hope this helps you some. I will certainly pray for you.