Thomas,

"Christ is risen from the dead, and by his death, he has trampled upon death, and has given life to those who were in the tombs!" - Troparion of the Resurrection

Jesus died and rose again to set us free from death, and the fear of death. Those who put their faith in Him and walk in the way of the Gospel relying on His grace have no need to fear death.

"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, [Jesus] himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage"

Hebrews 2:14–15

• Does that sound like you?

This is a moment of grace for you; an opportunity to turn toward the Lord and allow Him to set you free from sin and death and grant you the gift of faith. Start with a simple daily prayer; if you are not even sure there is a God, start with the Agnostic's Prayer:

Oh my God, if there is a God, save my soul, if I have a soul.

If you believe in God, offer your life up to God each day: Be willing to do what He prescribes for your own happiness. A good prayer to pray is the Our Father (the Lord's Prayer). If you're more ambitious, praying the Rosary each day is beneficial; if you don't know how to pray the Rosary, just Google it. The key is to have an open heart to receive the grace of God.

God wants you to be happy. The best way to be happy — in fact the only way to be truly happy — is by knowing Him and having a friendship with Him. We call that communion. God wants to be friends with you! And He will save us from ultimate death (separation from God and the eternal happiness that comes with it) and make us happy.

Prayer is a conversation with God. Just talk to Him as you would a friend; entrust to Him your needs, cares, and concerns, also your joys and what you are grateful for that He has generously provided for you. When you don't know what to say, rote (routine, fixed, or habitual) prayers are good, but the important thing is to start a dialogue with God.

If you like to read, a good book to get you started is Rediscover Jesus: An Invitation by Matthew Kelly.

Meanwhile, seek the Sacrament of Confession, tell the priest you've been away from the Church for seven years and want to return, and start going to Mass every Sunday.

God is real, I promise you. I've experienced him in so many different tangible ways I could never doubt Him again. He can be real to you as well if you seek Him. Seek and you shall find. (Matthew 7:7)

I've heard about, seen, and experienced many miracles that have no other explanation but God.

Eric