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My life has been like a roller coaster for the past year or two. At times I feel like I really know God, but there are also times when I feel so lost and far from Him. I want to feel filled with God's love to help the children whom I am serving now at church. Could you please help me?

St. Augustine said, "If you want your prayers to rise up to Heaven, give your prayers two wings which are fasting and giving alms."

With the Holy Great Fast upon us this is certainly the time for contemplating upon our spiritual life and seeking to make our faith more steadfast from day to day.

Fasting should always be accompanied with prayers and almsgiving.

In the Holy Book of Isaiah 58:6-7 we are given specific directions as to how to improve our spiritual life, "Is this not the fast that I have chosen, to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and that you bring to your houses the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?"

How do we become closer to God and sustain that closeness?

- Recognize your sins and overcome them one at a time with a repentant heart

- Learn some of the Holy Psalms by heart

- Spiritual readings should be an anticipated part of each day

- Seek virtues such as kindness, meekness, patience, endurance

- Be thankful, calm, faithful to God and let hope be central in your life.