Revan,
It has been a couple years since you posted. Have you felt the Spirit since your post? If so, what did you do that made the difference?
I have a son that has had similar concerns for months. He is working to recover from addiction but feels like it doesn't matter how hard he tries he can't feel the Spirit.
Typical Primary, Sunday School answers didn't apply to me in a similar situation. I have been in a Spiritual abyss due to depression and it didn't matter how many scriptures I read, hymns I sang, prayers I said, conference talks I read, etc. I still didn't feel anything but numb. Mine was cleared up through the help of an awesome psychologist and some inspired reading (by lds authors).
There are things that need more patience and time put in than others. Sometimes like Enos we must pray for 24 or 48 hours. Sometimes fasting must be combined with prayer and sometimes it takes fasting and prayer from loved ones and ourselves as well as a multitude of patience.
I like the idea to replace bad habits with good ones that include service. I think service can help, for me and my depression it didn't help, I was serving for the wrong reasons. I thought through self sacrifice I could buy my own salvation and be my own savior. I couldn't let go and let God. I think learning to let go is a key ingredient. But, it's terriying to turn over control.
