Would you like me to walk with you in this spiritual journey, Eagle? I do not understand chronic depression but, where the experience of that circumstance overlaps the spiritual, I extend the friendship of my heart and pray with you, as many here do.

Quote:
but maybe that's because I'm not there yet.


Could it be possible that you are already in the "there, Eagle? You continue to move towards God.

Quote:
...I just need to find that inner sanctuary and enkindle those smouldering embers back into the fire it wants to be again.


Our inner peace will always be distracted by the "why". To regain that spiritual experience, the soul must exist purely through faith, love and trust. It is not the inability to pray but, for prayer to reach another level which is the point where one accepts what God gives and willingly surrender what God takes. When the soul is in union with God and wishes nothing other than what God wishes then it progresses towards Perfectae Caritatis i.e. Perfection of Charity. That was the journey of St John of the Cross and all other saints in similar dark nights of the soul.


_________________________
<><