How can one restore closeness to Allah and humility in worship after a period of distance, and what is the way to return to reading the Qur'an with contemplation, and is it permissible to wish for death as a means to stop sins?

Abandoning the recitation of the Qur’an under the pretext of not comprehending its meanings is a deception from Satan. A Muslim should balance between understanding the Qur’an and reciting it, for there is much good in recitation. You must return to reciting the Qur’an with a continuous daily portion.

Gradually progress in reading tafsir (exegesis) starting with "Kalimat al-Qur’an" by Hassanein Makhlouf, then "Tafsir al-Sa'di" or "Aysar al-Tafasir" by al-Jazairi, before Ibn Kathir. Strive against yourself to return to what you were upon and even increase it with supererogatory acts of worship, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), supplication, accompanying righteous people, and engaging in scholarly and da'wah activities. Discard these whispers and strive sincerely against yourself, for Allah guides those who strive for His sake.