Anybody have a Holy Spirit experience?

[GladTidings]

When I was 14, I believe the Holy Spirit helped me understand a basic truth. I was at a non-catholic Bible study and we were taking turns reading verses in Matthew 16:13 through 20. When we were done, the woman whose house we were in explained how Catholics view this passage.

We paused and considered for a moment what she said, then decided to figure out what it really means. We went to different books in the Bible and tried to understand what Jesus could have meant. After we had gone in circles for while, I raised my hand and said, “Could we go back to talking about what Catholics believe this means? Because in the last half-hour, it is the only explanation that makes any sense to me.”

Seventeen long years later, I became Catholic!

Almost two years ago, when my Dad died, I experienced an awakening of sorts. My understanding of my faith increased a lot and I began learning much more about Catholicism. I also began going to confession very often.

 

[SolaceSoul]

Many years ago, probably around the early 90’s, I went out of town with my best friend to attend an event at a neighboring church. Speakers came presenting the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. After the talk, we were invited to walk up, like for communion, and touch the image or say a private prayer while we were in front of it. It was extremely interesting but nothing out of the ordinary happened until it was my turn to stand in front of the image. I had no plans, I just wanted to see the details of the image. Without thinking, my hand reached out and touched it exactly where the child Jesus would have been (she is pregnant in the image). When I did this, it was as if He had reached His hand out and met mine, not visually or physically, but spiritually. I was in awe of the moment and it was as if time stood still. It did just that until I felt a nudge from my friend and stepped to the side to return to my seat.
My jaw must have still been to the floor. I remember looking around with tears in my eyes. Could no one else feel this? Did they not know? How could they not know? I remember feeling the incredible urge to lay flat on the cold floor of the parish hall and pray. But instead, I kept looking around through my teary eyes and I felt utterly ashamed that I did not do so. No one else was crying, no one else was praying. It was all normal for them.
My friend asked if I was ok, and I nodded, but clearly I wasn’t. I didn’t even really hear her. It was as if I were in a bubble, just me and the Holy Spirit. Trying to comprehend what was going on and trying not to embarrass myself by crying like a baby and laying of the floor, I attempted to compose myself and shake it off. This was not successful. I heard no words, no thoughts, just complete immersion in the Spirit. The best way I can explain it, and this is a poor explanation, is that information was being uploaded into my soul. I didn’t understand it, I couldn’t comprehend the depth of it, but it just kept coming. It was overwhelming. I cried all the way home and from that moment forward, my life changed.
I still don’t know what exactly happened but the realization and gravity of everything became suddenly apparent. It was as if the Holy Spirit had removed my blindfold and I had emerged into a strange new world. But I was not unprepared for it. I knew He had a mission for me and had or will equipment me for the journey ahead. This was only the beginning of my experiences with the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

[nightshade]

I felt the presence of God in Mass Sunday night. It was the first Mass I have ever attended. I have always felt awkward and out of place at every single protestant church I have ever attended. It always seemed to feel like the preachers made it about them, especially the more charismatic non denominational preachers. I am so excited to be starting RCIA and attending mass every Sunday, Lord willing.

 

[Knight]

While listening to an audio bible during the passion I became overwhelmed with emotion and couldn’t stop crying. Like messy crying!

When I went back to confession after more than a decade I was crying again.

Just this past week I had a dream where I sinned and thought it was real life. So I figured well since I’ve already sinned what’s another? Luckily that was just a moment long thought and I realized that was a dream. So I’m thinking I was being spiritually attacked. The previous night I had a dream about Saint Padre Pio. Last night I had a dream about Saint Josemarie Escriva telling me to go to daily mass today (which I absolutely did!)

 

[MarthaSo]

Only when I was 14. Since then never. It gets tiring when your dry season lasts almost 3 decades but I always thank God for my blessings and I remember that everything, pain, loneliness etc is temporary. It doesn’t affect my faith or peace, just joy.

 

[joeybaggz]

Anybody else have any similar experience?

Haven’t read all the replies so apologies if this is something already said.

Every Catholic has a Holy Spirit experience whenever they attend Mass. At the consecration, the priest says (ins some form) “May you Spirit descent upon these gifts like the dewfall, so that they will become for us the body and blood of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
At that point, the Holy Spirit descends upon that altar and those gifts, like the power of the Holy Spirit came upon Mary in her conception of The Son, and upon the apostles at Pentecost. I wonder how many people really don’t listen to the priest’s request as fulfilling what Christ said (in one form) “Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” That has been slightly updated but it is still the same request.
Want a Holy Spirit experience, simply go to Mass.

 

[goodguy2342]

Replying to my own post here, as this is really on a different plane…

Last night I had the most intense session that my wife bore witness to.

I was alone downstairs praying meditatively and invited the holy spirit, well again he obliged, but most frighteningly.

I gave him control of my mind and body and what happened was astounding, My neck started rolling in circles, then shaking back and forth headshake, then my limbs, fingers tapping uncontrollably, thigh muscles flexing so much my body would shake, then faster and and union, I was convulsing in a sort, yet fully aware and not in control. My wife came down and thought I was on a psychodelic drug and I started laughing uncontrollably and weirdly. I gathered myself and told her not to call 911. I told her she wouldnt believe me what was happening several times.
I finally told her and sat her down asking her to participate, held her hands and invited the holy spirit back in Jesus Holy Name. I began leg twitching and finger tapping followed by laughing all while my wife sat befuddled at what the hell was happening.
Earlier in the day I asked my priest if he thought these could be the spirit and he said it does sound to me as you are receiving a gift. I just cannot discern what is the actual meaning?? My marriage is in tumult and this is apparently the only grace present.

 

[Thom18]

I’ve never experienced anything like St. Paul or St. John did, but it’s for my own good. I’m a prideful individual, and that would probably hurt my spiritual growth.