Maybe you remember a time when you felt close to God and enjoyed the peace your relationship with him brought into your life. Now you may be feeling that closeness slip away and you don't know what is causing you to feel so far away.

Here are a few ideas to help you discover what is pulling you away from God:

1. You don't pray regularly any more

Conversation with God needs to be a priority. Decide now that you will not go to sleep at night without saying your prayers. If it was important when you were a young, it's equally important now. Maybe more so with all the pressures you are facing as an adult. You need his help. Be specific in those prayers and tell him what you need. He is there to listen and guide you.

2. You are too busy to notice blessings

Trying to make ends meet financially, helping a struggling child, rushing off to your job and feeling overwhelmed from your heavy load can take your mind off the goodness in your life. Stop, look and breathe. Take a moment to focus on what you do have and forget about what you don't. You will find you have been abundantly blessed.

3. You feel inferior to others

Feeling less adequate than others is a good way to waste your energy. You are every bit as valuable in God's eyes as any other human being. You are one of his children. He loves you and you are of infinite worth to Him. Never forget that.

4. You forgot that God has a plan for you

Remember that he created you and has a plan for you. Consider the spark of divinity you have in yourself as a child of God. Hold on to that truth and strive to become more like him. As you do this, you will discover his great plan for you.

5. You don't go to church any more

Go back to church. If you don't have a church to attend, ask God to help you find one that is right for you. You can most effectively worship God and learn more about him within a holy environment. Church also allows you to converse with others who are also seeking His guidance. Together, you can help each other stay close to him.

6. You hide your faith from others

Do not be ashamed of your beliefs. Others need to know there is a God and that he loves them, too. By sharing your faith in Him, you can strengthen others, which, in turn, will strengthen you. Keep this Bible verse in your mind: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." (Romans 1:16)

7. You feel unworthy

You are not alone. Everyone has fallen from the righteous path in one way or another. The good news is that you can repent. You can make things right again. It is a promise Jesus Christ gave us. Remember the story of the woman who committed adultery who had been brought before Jesus. What did He say to her? "Go and sin no more." (John 8:11) Repentance is that simple. Go to Him in prayer and make the necessary changes. He will forgive you and will help you stay on the correct path.

8. You are too busy to serve others

It doesn't take a lot of time to help others along their journey in life. Service may be as simple as giving an encouraging word to a lonely person at work, or taking a meal to a sick neighbor. Look around you and you will find many opportunities to do small acts of service for others. When you help others, you will grow closer to God.

9. You have stopped reading the Bible

Reading the holy word of God is one of the best ways you can be drawn back to him. The Bible contains words that will help you feel his love for you. Read them regularly and you will see a major difference in your relationship with God.

10. You are choosing entertainment that is contrary to God's will

Take a good look at what you watch on TV and every form of entertainment in your life. Are your sources full of content that is contrary to God's laws? If so, avoid this kind of entertainment and fill your life with wholesome activities.

11. You are fighting with your spouse

Every marriage has it's measure of conflict, but if you are fighting with your spouse all too often, it's time to stop. Find calm and less demeaning ways to discuss your differences. Remember, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) If you want to be close to God, keep your conversations at home calm and inviting to the spirit.

12. You have not chosen to be happy

You've heard it before but we'll say it again, happiness is a choice. It has been said that we can be happy under every circumstance. Even in the hardest of times if we turn to Christ, whom the scriptures teach us is the source of all joy.

By making these changes in your life you can stay close to God. This will bring you and those around you to a far greater state of happiness.