Charismatic gifts question

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Mordocai

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I’ve learned enough about the Charistmatic Renewal to believe that, when it’s legit. it can be very helpful in your prayer life.
I have yet to be be baptized in the Holy Spirit (for those who don’t know, this is not another sacrament, it’s more like people with the charismatic gifts just praying over you, invoking the Holy Spirit)
Now, I was wondering. Would it be bad if I got baptized in the Holy Spirit just to ‘get the gifts’ out to aid me in the spiritual life. I hopefully will be heading to seminary soon (Legionaries of Christ) so I of course wouldn’t be able to go to charismatic meetings and such.
But I do feel that it could be a great aid to my prayer life in order to build up the body.

What do you think?

Mordocai

P.S. to clarify, my motives are not ‘take the gifts and run with them’ at all. i simply wish to receive what God may be offering me and go from there.
 
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Mordocai:
I’ve learned enough about the Charistmatic Renewal to believe that, when it’s legit. it can be very helpful in your prayer life.
I have yet to be be baptized in the Holy Spirit (for those who don’t know, this is not another sacrament, it’s more like people with the charismatic gifts just praying over you, invoking the Holy Spirit)
Now, I was wondering. Would it be bad if I got baptized in the Holy Spirit just to ‘get the gifts’ out to aid me in the spiritual life. I hopefully will be heading to seminary soon (Legionaries of Christ) so I of course wouldn’t be able to go to charismatic meetings and such.
But I do feel that it could be a great aid to my prayer life in order to build up the body.

What do you think?

Mordocai

P.S. to clarify, my motives are not ‘take the gifts and run with them’ at all. i simply wish to receive what God may be offering me and go from there.
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Knock yourself out! Anything we can do to enhance our prayer life is good.
 
Mordocai,
I don’t know much about the charistmatic renewal, I would suggest reflection of your life, confession, reading about the Spirit and novenas for the seven gifts. God Bless, your brother in Christ, Tim
 
Greetings and Blessings to you,
I am not an authority on the charismatic movement so what I’m about to share with you may or may not be applicable to the Catholic Church. I belong to a Lutheran Church, part of the Missouri Synod (LCMS). This is a portion of what I’ve uncovered in my research regarding the charismatic movement. The next two paragraphs are taken from the LCMS website so I want to preface the explanation and also explain that I think the Catholic Church expects the extraordinary gifts are to be explored in a fitting and orderly way. The passages are:

“Test the Spirits. Christians who are convinced that they have received a charismatic experience should earnestly seek to evaluate it and determine its validity not only on the basis of personal feelings and emotions but especially in the light of God’s holy Word. Followers of the Lord Jesus must take seriously the warnings of Scripture to “test the spirits to see whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1), lest we be led astray into a path that is injurious to our Christian faith and hope. Scripture particularly urges Christians to test occurrences that give the appearance of being valid signs and wonders, with the reminder that in the last days false prophets will arise who will seek to lead God’s elect astray by such means. (Matt. 24:24, Mark 13:19-23; 1 Cor. 14:29)

“Lutheran theology has stressed the importance of such fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness rather than extraordinary charismatic gifts. Moreover, it has emphasized that all fruits and gifts of the Spirit are given by grace alone. It has not understood the Scriptures to say that Christians are to expect extraordinary charismatic gifts in all ages of history, nor has it taught that speaking in tongues is the usual manifestation of the Holy Spirit.”

I think we seek to understand whether or not something (whatever that something is - charismatic extraordinary gifts; a decision; etc.) is God’s will in two ways: 1) What process do we use to discern the event; 2) Who does it bring glory to - you or God.

I’m sure there are many of you far more intelligent than me who will read this and return comments and questions about this topic that I am not able to answer as it relates to the Catholic Church, but I wanted to share a viewpoint that may or may not have been considered.

Mordocai, best wishes as you enter the seminary. I pray God grants you the spiritual gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

Thank you.
 
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Dmcallis:
Greetings and Blessings to you,
I am not an authority on the charismatic movement so what I’m about to share with you may or may not be applicable to the Catholic Church. I belong to a Lutheran Church, part of the Missouri Synod (LCMS). This is a portion of what I’ve uncovered in my research regarding the charismatic movement. The next two paragraphs are taken from the LCMS website so I want to preface the explanation and also explain that I think the Catholic Church expects the extraordinary gifts are to be explored in a fitting and orderly way. The passages are:

“Test the Spirits. Christians who are convinced that they have received a charismatic experience should earnestly seek to evaluate it and determine its validity not only on the basis of personal feelings and emotions but especially in the light of God’s holy Word. Followers of the Lord Jesus must take seriously the warnings of Scripture to “test the spirits to see whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1), lest we be led astray into a path that is injurious to our Christian faith and hope. Scripture particularly urges Christians to test occurrences that give the appearance of being valid signs and wonders, with the reminder that in the last days false prophets will arise who will seek to lead God’s elect astray by such means. (Matt. 24:24, Mark 13:19-23; 1 Cor. 14:29)

“Lutheran theology has stressed the importance of such fruits of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness rather than extraordinary charismatic gifts. Moreover, it has emphasized that all fruits and gifts of the Spirit are given by grace alone. It has not understood the Scriptures to say that Christians are to expect extraordinary charismatic gifts in all ages of history, nor has it taught that speaking in tongues is the usual manifestation of the Holy Spirit.”

I think we seek to understand whether or not something (whatever that something is - charismatic extraordinary gifts; a decision; etc.) is God’s will in two ways: 1) What process do we use to discern the event; 2) Who does it bring glory to - you or God.

I’m sure there are many of you far more intelligent than me who will read this and return comments and questions about this topic that I am not able to answer as it relates to the Catholic Church, but I wanted to share a viewpoint that may or may not have been considered.

Mordocai, best wishes as you enter the seminary. I pray God grants you the spiritual gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

Thank you.
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Dmcallis, That sounds like sound advice, which is why I suggested reflection and confession, a GOOD spiritual director may be needed once the Spirit starts to reveal itself profoundly. Study of sound doctrine of Christ as St. Paul describes in the Word is important. And knowing that any gift is for Gods glory as He reveals. Know your bible! Your Brother in Christ. Tim
 
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TOP:
Mordocai,
I don’t know much about the charistmatic renewal, I would suggest reflection of your life, confession, reading about the Spirit and novenas for the seven gifts. God Bless, your brother in Christ, Tim
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The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are for us, as individuals. Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. We all need these gifts to help us to grow in the virtues, and should pray for them.

The charismatic gifts are given to us for others, so that we, the Body of Christ, may build one another up. Some of them are prophecy, healing, discernment of spirits, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and miracles.

The Catholic charismatic renewal has helped me to grow in my prayer life, and nurtured my desire to study and pray with Scripture. It has also helped me to experience Christian community, and to grow in discernment.

Always, the Mass is the source and summit of our faith. The renewal has increased my appreciation for the Eucharist.

Life in the Spirit Seminars have been a “jump start” for many fallen away Catholics, and has aided them to come joyfully back to full communion with the Church.

Good leadership of priests and lay people who are loyal to the Magisterium of the Church is essential! We always need to pray for discernment.
 
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Dorothy:
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are for us, as individuals. Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. We all need these gifts to help us to grow in the virtues, and should pray for them.

The charismatic gifts are given to us for others, so that we, the Body of Christ, may build one another up. Some of them are prophecy, healing, discernment of spirits, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, tongues, interpretation of tongues, and miracles.

The Catholic charismatic renewal has helped me to grow in my prayer life, and nurtured my desire to study and pray with Scripture. It has also helped me to experience Christian community, and to grow in discernment.

Always, the Mass is the source and summit of our faith. The renewal has increased my appreciation for the Eucharist.

Life in the Spirit Seminars have been a “jump start” for many fallen away Catholics, and has aided them to come joyfully back to full communion with the Church.

Good leadership of priests and lay people who are loyal to the Magisterium of the Church is essential! We always need to pray for discernment.
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Dorothy, Thank you very much for clarifying about the gifts in definition, I’ve had no formal instruction and am looking for a strong group, with sound doctrine. Right now I rely on Gods help, the Church, and an occasional talk with my Priest, but we have a small parish and I haven’t heard of such a group as described. So for now I am working on charity, maybe the hard way, without guidence, but have been asked to the Holy Name Society, which is in our parish for charitable works. Thanks again, God Bless, Tim
 
We are told in scripture to seek the gifts, so for you to do so is obedience as long as as you say you are not doing so for your glorification, but the edification of you and the church and for the benefit of the church.

All of the gifts bring with them greater power to do those things in the Spirit, but also bring with them the responsibility to use them discerningly and humbly.

The gifts I was blessed with have certainly aided me in serving God 🙂
There always seems to be times of renewed interest in using the gifts and this seems to be one of those times - I have seen many more questions regarding them as of late - perhaps God is calling you to obey His will.

Pray for wisdom and use the faith of a grain of a mustard seed.
We are told a good father would give his child that which he asks for in his need.

I pray that the Spirit guides and blesses you!

Peace
 
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TOP:
Dorothy, Thank you very much for clarifying about the gifts in definition, I’ve had no formal instruction and am looking for a strong group, with sound doctrine. Right now I rely on Gods help, the Church, and an occasional talk with my Priest, but we have a small parish and I haven’t heard of such a group as described. So for now I am working on charity, maybe the hard way, without guidence, but have been asked to the Holy Name Society, which is in our parish for charitable works. Thanks again, God Bless, Tim
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Most of the people I know, including myself, that have spent many years going to weekly prayer meetings no longer do so. I believe that is because they have now found their place in the Church and are bringing their talents and charisms to their parish community. (doing readings at Mass, teaching, bringing Eucharist to nursing homes, pro-life activities, etc.).

I still attend the yearly Catholic Charismatic weekend Conference that is about two hours distance from me. The speakers are excellent, and the focus is on the Mass, sharing the gifts at the appointed time (“decently and in order”) Eucharistic adoration and procession. I have been attending these conferences for twenty years and have never heard anything like dissent, or skewed teaching.

God bless you, and may our Blessed Mother guide you in your spiritual journey!
 
Thanks everyone!
Yeah my biggest issue is just my lack of knowledge about how the Holy Spirit works with the Charismatic Gifts and how a person attains (or perhaps ‘unlocks’ them)
I’ve had a powerful experience of God in the past, and from then on, the gifts of the Holy Spirit became very real to me. I think that perhaps the Charismatic Gifts that God wanted to give me were also given then, but I am not sure. Does God give everyone the gift of toungues for example? Or prophecy.
I mean, shoot, I figure if you’re always open to God speaking through you, He will! (and I’ve felt Him do that before, sorta where the words just kinda flow out of your mouth and things just ‘feel’ different. like the feeling you get when talking about God for a long period of time, things around you just feel annointed in some way, very edifying)
So it makes me wonder, a person who is striving after holiness and openness to God, can they have the Charismatic Gifts (does this happen regularly?) or is this only ‘unlocked’ with the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Of course God can grant the gifts to anyone at any time, but would it be wise to seek the gifts outside of the movement?

God Bless,
Mordocai

P.S. I hope all that made sense lol
 
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Mordocai:
Thanks everyone!
Yeah my biggest issue is just my lack of knowledge about how the Holy Spirit works with the Charismatic Gifts and how a person attains (or perhaps ‘unlocks’ them)
I’ve had a powerful experience of God in the past, and from then on, the gifts of the Holy Spirit became very real to me. I think that perhaps the Charismatic Gifts that God wanted to give me were also given then, but I am not sure. Does God give everyone the gift of toungues for example? Or prophecy.
I mean, shoot, I figure if you’re always open to God speaking through you, He will! (and I’ve felt Him do that before, sorta where the words just kinda flow out of your mouth and things just ‘feel’ different. like the feeling you get when talking about God for a long period of time, things around you just feel annointed in some way, very edifying)
So it makes me wonder, a person who is striving after holiness and openness to God, can they have the Charismatic Gifts (does this happen regularly?) or is this only ‘unlocked’ with the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Of course God can grant the gifts to anyone at any time, but would it be wise to seek the gifts outside of the movement?

God Bless,
Mordocai

P.S. I hope all that made sense lol
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Yes, that made a lot of sense. The praying over the person, plus being in a charismatic prayer group helps to “unlock” the gifts, but it isn’t always necessary. The saints had many of the charismatic gifts that helped others, and they didn’t have to make a Life in the Spirit Seminar, helpful though it may be.

Keep asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In a solid Catholic charismatic prayer group a lot of learning goes on, and I am thankful for that experience. You can be sitting having a good talk with someone over a cup of coffee and that person may share something with you, and the Holy Spirit gives you the right words to say to that person.

There is no need for anyone to get uptight about the gift of tongues. If the Holy Spirit gives it fine, if not yet or never, be at peace. Some have a powerful gift of prophecy (telling it like it is, comfort, admonishment, direction, etc. and needs to not contradict Scripture to be discerned as genuine.) Some never use prophecy, but only occasionally.

And, the gifts are not “unlocked” only once at a specific moment. They can deepen as one grows in prayer and discernment, and the Holy Spirit can add more according to His Will.

So, I guess I have to pray to keep growing in the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, (personal gifts) so that I will have the right attitude to share the charismatic gifts (gifts given for others) when I am prompted to.

If it’s at all possible you may be interested in going to a Catholic Charismatic conference (they are annual) in your diocese when they have one. If you can’t make it for three days, even all day Saturday would be good.

May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and lead you where He wants you!
 
I was baptized in the Holy Spirit over a year ago. I had privately prayed for the gift of tongues or any of the gifts. But nothing happened 😦 . Then last week my bible study group had a special prayer session where anyone who wanted the gift of praying in tongues could ask. Several woman layed hands on me and prayed and I received the gift of tongues. 😃 I can’t tell you what an awesome experience it was and how it has enhanced my prayer life.

I don’t think you need to worry about just getting baptized in the Holy Spirit “just to get the gifts”. God knows your heart. Although these gifts are for you, they are used to glorify God. Pray for the gifts with the intention of glorifying God. You may receive immediately or you may have to wait a while, but just continue trusting in the Lord.

God bless you on your journey.

PS. I get a sense that some Catholics really frown on charisms (particularly the gift of tongues). It is almost like some think that there is something fraudulent about it. But, if we look back to the very beginning of the Church, the Apostles were charismatics! It seems like the “Charismatic Movement” is an effort to return to those roots. :yup:
 
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