Conversation with God

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Skyhighblue34

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A thought occurred to me while looking up how to be better at prayer. If prayer is a conversation with God and you’re supposed to stop and listen for what he has to say, does that mean all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did? Like he actually responds, not you talk then just listen patiently.

At the same time, I realize that such a thing would only occur because God would grant you the grace and through no power of your own can you force this. But if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually? I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in. I remember there being a verse for it… Heck he may just decide not to, but I wana get people’s thoughts on the matter.
 
Skyhighblue34 asks** :
[1] “If prayer is a conversation with God and
[2] you’re supposed to stop and listen for what He has to say, does that mean
[3] all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did?”
**
I can’t believe you asked this inane question.
Are you seriously asking if every Human Being on Earth has a good chance to actually hear God talking to them (like, in a Human voice)?
And, who told you that you are supposed to have “Breaks” in your Prayers, in order to give God the chance to talk back to you?
I ask this question to you, because I have never heard of it.
Is this supposed to be a Protestant thing? It sure doesn’t sound like a Catholic is pushing it.
The obvious answer is NO.

And, it goes on some more** : “if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually?”**
Have you personal experience with ANYONE (not locked up in a Nut Ward) who claims that they hear God talking to them?
Do you know anyone (not in a Funny Farm) who knows someone who claims that God talks to them on a regular basis?
Do you know anyone, who knows someone, who knows someone who claims that God talks to her often?
If not, where did you come up with this idea?

Then, something bordering on Heresy** : “I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in.
I remember there being a verse for it.”**
So, if I pray long enough, that God will fix it so I will win the Lottery? Or, God will kill off my Enemies?
Could you give me the citation for the Verse which claims that a persistent Prayer will often be answered?

Is this a Joke Thread?
 
Skyhighblue34 said:
A thought occurred to me while looking up how to be better at prayer. If prayer is a conversation with God and you’re supposed to stop and listen for what he has to say, does that mean all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did? Like he actually responds, not you talk then just listen patiently.

At the same time, I realize that such a thing would only occur because God would grant you the grace and through no power of your own can you force this. But if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually? I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in. I remember there being a verse for it… Heck he may just decide not to, but I wana get people’s thoughts on the matter.
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It’s very important to take the time to listen in prayer; it’s hard for me sometimes. My mind is so used to being filled with thoughts that I sometimes forget.

People can and do have conversations with God. That is 100% true. I know that. You don’t have to be perfect or a saint to have it happen. I would say it’s fairly rare, but not impossible. I’m sure there are many priests, bishops and other religious who have not had a ‘conversation’ that you speak of with God, and many dedicated sinners that you might look down upon that have heard God’s voice, just as real as a friend sitting next to you. I don’t know that it is something you can ‘earn’ by doing things such as you suggested. I view it as a great Gift from God; there is nothing we can do to ‘earn’ it. But through doing all these things more devoutly, better, we do open our hearts to hear the Lord, even if our ears cannot. Through praying, I’ve been granted answers onto my heart, which would be different than hearing the Lord’s voice directly.

Just so you know, I’ve been thinking more lately about listening better in prayer as well.

If you’d like to visit more privately about this, I would be glad to do so, and it may help you more than on this topic publicly, if the other replier is to be taken seriously. As to the other respondent, I think your reply was very rude and uncharitable.
 
I have always called St. Michael, St. Michael.

But I needed to know whether I should be calling him Holy instead so I asked in prayer.

Later on I came on this site and clicked on the new threads on the left, not sure what the question was about but someone mentioned that Saint and Holy meant the same thing, it’s just a language thing.

I was like this —> 😃
 
I think one of the responses a little too harsh. Saints have claimed to have had locutions with Jesus and Mary, but the church does not require us to believe these, although who would be silly enough to ignore Lourdes Fatima and the Miraculous Medal.
That aside I have found God to be a terrible conversationalist, leaving most of the heavy lifting to me.
I have halted waiting for the soft breeze, but to no avail.
He may be a bit taciturn but He is a great listener.
I see no reason not trying to raise your spirituality to that of a saint. We are all on that journey.
But don’t hold your breath!
 
Petaro said** : “Saints have claimed to have had locutions with Jesus and Mary … who would be silly enough to ignore Lourdes, Fatima and the Miraculous Medal.”**

OH. yes, many people have spoken to the Virgin Mary (and 1000s more were there when the Virgin Mary was talking to people).
But this Thread is about talking to God the Father (or Jesus Christ).
And, over the last 2000 years, only a small handful of people have claimed to regularly listen to God converse with them.

And, of those, how many ACTUALLY did hear God?
Even assuming that 90% of those claims are True, it is indeed a VERY Rare event, as I mentioned before.
 
Skyhighblue34 said:
A thought occurred to me while looking up how to be better at prayer. If prayer is a conversation with God and you’re supposed to stop and listen for what he has to say, does that mean all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did? Like he actually responds, not you talk then just listen patiently.

At the same time, I realize that such a thing would only occur because God would grant you the grace and through no power of your own can you force this. But if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually? I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in. I remember there being a verse for it… Heck he may just decide not to, but I wana get people’s thoughts on the matter.
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Short answer is YES.

Indeed prayer should be a conversation…and that means an interchange. It may be subtle it may be profound. I have had God respond to me in very direct ways even though my prayer life is poor. In each case the response was direct and unexpected. One was an actual “voice” - a sentence - place in my consciousness in answer to a problem I had been mulling over for some time. The other was an action taken by my sleeping wife as I lay beside her pondering a difficult decision.

The key in these things is to lot so much “seek” after them but to simply take things to the Lord and then try to be open to his response which can come in so many different ways.

Now will the majority of us reach the heights that we believe the saints reached? No - but then they only reached those heights by virtue of long journey, humble submission and God’s grace.

Peace
James
 
Skyhighblue34 said:
A thought occurred to me while looking up how to be better at prayer. If prayer is a conversation with God and you’re supposed to stop and listen for what he has to say, does that mean all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did? Like he actually responds, not you talk then just listen patiently.

At the same time, I realize that such a thing would only occur because God would grant you the grace and through no power of your own can you force this. But if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually? I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in. I remember there being a verse for it… Heck he may just decide not to, but I wana get people’s thoughts on the matter.
Click to expand...
These are simply my thoughts partly grounded on Scripture, the writings of some saints (St Theresa of Avila and St Therese of Liseaux spring to mind, plus Brother Lawrence) and the rest on some of my personal journey thus far.

Prayer is a conversation with God, but not all conversations are carried out in words (whether physical sound or spiritual). He answers us, but not necessarily when we want an answer but when He knows we need it. The answer can be provided in the still of our hearts, the actions of another person, maybe words that cannot be physically heard (yet we are convinced we heard them*) or by paths being smoothed. We can have conversations with God through reading and contemplating on Scripture. God converses through opening our minds and reveling a new aspect of His word or guiding our thoughts to how it connects to us or the world today. He speaks to us through our priests through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, when we are offered spiritual guidance and (God-willing) absolution.

Some people try very hard and desire to have what they consider to be the same personal and intimate relationship others have with God. As if, somehow, the person who talks with God as if He is a very close friend, is somehow better or holier than they are. God gives us what we need (not necessarily what we want) and He knows our hearts. Those who need the burning bush receive it, others receive differently, sometimes living in dry periods and others simply trust secure in the knowledge that God answers in His way. God does speak to me in many ways, sad to say I don’t always listen and He has to repeat Himself consistently.

Michelle Arnold (an apologetic on this site) wrote an article on prayer which was an eye-opener to me. My personal opinion of her after reading the article was how amazing strong and steadfast her faith and relationship with God is and I remain impressed with her adult faith and service to God. Michelle (through God’s grace) can serve God in ways that I never will be able to do. Mother Theresa of Calcutta was another who lived a similar challenge.

The wonderful beauty of being God’s children, He gives us our own unique calling and the tools (gifts and graces) so that we can rejoice in what we have and in what God gives to others.

I would suggest speaking to your priest and asking if he can suggest resources (books, retreats or courses) that can help you with your prayer life and discern your gifts or next steps in faith.

** This can fall under private revelation and as St Theresa of Avila cautions, should be rigorously tested against Scripture because Satan can do the same. And if there is one tiny weakness and/or a desire or belief to share it, to first speak to a Spiritual Director and bide by their guidance. St Faustina amongst many others, accepted this discipline.*
 
When does God speak to us? He speaks at all times, especially in prayer. Prayer is a conversation with God. But it is not a monologue.** When we pray, then, we should also listen, because a good conversationalist is also a good listener. **We do not pray well when we recite ready-made formulas quickly and distractedly. We act as if God has only to listen to us, and that we have no need to listen to the thoughts and desires that He wishes to communicate to us. He has promised, “If thou wilt hear the voice of the Lord thy God, and do what is right before Him, and obey His commandments, and keep all His precepts, none of the evils that I laid upon Egypt will I bring upon thee.”…

Such conversations with God are not rare in the lives of the canonized. But must we in our conversation with God await the appearance of Jesus, of some heavenly voice or extraordinary apparition, some heavenly manifestation from God? Absolutely not. It is true that God does single out some chosen souls to whom He speaks directly and who actually experience the divine power working in them, but these are very few; it is not the way that God ordinarily uses. We should not even desire that God speak to us in this extraordinary manner. We should not expect it. Visions and revelations are not necessary for us to grow in deep love for God. We may fall deeply in love with Him and practice faithfully the presence of God, yet never receive any extraordinary manifestations from Him. These are special gifts, and God gives them to whom He wills, and when He wills…

Perhaps we have never realized that God is illuminating our intellect and inspiring our will. Yet He does just that. That is why we are told not to do all the talking in prayer. For, if we continually recite vocal prayers without pausing now and then to think, we will stifle the thoughts and desires that God wishes to excite in us…

The was excerpted from Fr. Healy’s “Awakening Your Soul to the Presence of God”.

You can read the full article at:
catholicexchange.com/how-to-hear-god-speaking-to-you

“Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”
― Mother Teresa

(I am sorry for the uncharitable remarks that answered your sincere question. I listen to posters who speak in a Christian way. Those who don’t lose credibility with me.)

🙂
 
Your question concerns prayer; you are asking the Pope how he prays. And I thank you. Perhaps it is worth starting with Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The apostle comes to the heart of the matter when he writes: “The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings” (cf. Rom 8:26).
What is prayer? It is commonly held to be a conversation. In a conversation there are always an “I” and a “thou” or “you.” In this case the “Thou” is with a capital T. If at first the “I” seems to be the most important element in prayer, prayer teaches that the situation is actually different. The “Thou” is more important, because our prayer begins with God. In his Letter to the Romans, Saint Paul teaches precisely this. According to the apostle, prayer reflects all created reality; it is in a certain sense a cosmic function.
Man is the priest of all creation; he speaks in its name, but only insofar as he is guided by the Spirit. In order to understand profoundly the meaning of prayer, one should meditate for a long time on the following passage from the Letter to the Romans: “For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved” (Rom 8:19-24). And here again we come across the apostle’s words: “The Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings” (cf. Rom 8:26).

In prayer, then, the true protagonist is God. The protagonist is Christ, who constantly frees creation from slavery to corruption and leads it toward liberty, for the glory of the children of God. The protagonist is the Holy Spirit, who “comes to the aid of our weakness.” We begin to pray, believing that it is our own initiative that compels us to do so. Instead, we learn that it is always God’s initiative within us, just as Saint Paul has written. This initiative restores in us our true humanity; it restores in us our unique dignity. Yes, we are brought into the higher dignity of the children of God, the children of God who are the hope of all creation.

Blessed John Paul II
Crossing the Threshold of Hope
 
From a homily by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop
Prayer is the light of the spirit

Prayer and converse with God is a supreme good: it is a partnership and union with God. As the eyes of the body are enlightened when they see light, so our spirit, when it is intent on God, is illumined by his infinite light. I do not mean the prayer of outward observance but prayer from the heart, not confined to fixed times or periods but continuous throughout the day and night.

Our spirit should be quick to reach out toward God, not only when it is engaged in meditation; at other times also, when it is carrying out its duties, caring for the needy, performing works of charity, giving generously in the service of others, our spirit should long for God and call him to mind, so that these works may be seasoned with the salt of God’s love, and so make a palatable offering to the Lord of the universe. Throughout the whole of our lives we may enjoy the benefit that comes from prayer if we devote a great deal of time to it.

Prayer is the light of the spirit, true knowledge of God, mediating between God and man. The spirit, raised up to heaven by prayer, clings to God with the utmost tenderness; like a child crying tearfully for its mother, it craves the milk that God provides. It seeks the satisfaction of its own desires, and receives gifts outweighing the whole world of nature.

Prayer stands before God as an honored ambassador. It gives joy to the spirit, peace to the heart. I speak of prayer, not words. It is the longing for God, love too deep for words, a gift not given by man but by God’s grace. The apostle Paul says: We do not know how we are to pray but the Spirit himself pleads for us with inexpressible longings.

When the Lord gives this kind of prayer to a man, he gives him riches that cannot be taken away, heavenly food that satisfies the spirit. One who tastes this food is set on fire with an eternal longing for the Lord: his spirit burns as in a fire of utmost intensity.

Practice prayer from the beginning. Paint your house with the colors of modesty and humility. Make it radiant with the light of justice. Decorate it with the finest gold leaf of good deeds. Adorn it with the walls and stones of faith and generosity. Crown it with the pinnacle of prayer. In this way you will make it a perfect dwelling place for the Lord. You will be able to receive him as in a splendid palace, and through his grace you will already possess him, his image enthroned in the temple of your spirit

Peace
 
4love2God said:
Skyhighblue34 asks** :
[1] “If prayer is a conversation with God and
[2] you’re supposed to stop and listen for what He has to say, does that mean
[3] all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did?”
**
I can’t believe you asked this inane question.
Are you seriously asking if every Human Being on Earth has a good chance to actually hear God talking to them (like, in a Human voice)?
And, who told you that you are supposed to have “Breaks” in your Prayers, in order to give God the chance to talk back to you?
I ask this question to you, because I have never heard of it.
Is this supposed to be a Protestant thing? It sure doesn’t sound like a Catholic is pushing it.
The obvious answer is NO.

And, it goes on some more** : “if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually?”**
Have you personal experience with ANYONE (not locked up in a Nut Ward) who claims that they hear God talking to them?
Do you know anyone (not in a Funny Farm) who knows someone who claims that God talks to them on a regular basis?
Do you know anyone, who knows someone, who knows someone who claims that God talks to her often?
If not, where did you come up with this idea?

Then, something bordering on Heresy** : “I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in.
I remember there being a verse for it.”**
So, if I pray long enough, that God will fix it so I will win the Lottery? Or, God will kill off my Enemies?
Could you give me the citation for the Verse which claims that a persistent Prayer will often be answered?

Is this a Joke Thread?
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Nope this is not a joke thread. Yes I also have a hard time believing that you should take breaks to listen for God, but I got that bit of info from vocationnetwork.org in an article written by a nun. This what she said “I said that prayer is conversation with God. That means it is a two-way street. During prayer we talk to God, but we also give God the chance to talk to us. So sometimes we use words when we pray; other times we don’t.” The bible verse Luke 11:5-10 and the parable of the persistent widows. Jesus also says ask and you will receive, with nothing being impossible from God as long you have faith. So as long as asking to speak to Him was part of his will and I had faith, I don’t see how talking to Him would be the impossible. Also your post just sounds mean. If you were catholic you might answer with a kinder way of phrasing your words.
 
Avila123 said:
These are simply my thoughts partly grounded on Scripture, the writings of some saints (St Theresa of Avila and St Therese of Liseaux spring to mind, plus Brother Lawrence) and the rest on some of my personal journey thus far.

Prayer is a conversation with God, but not all conversations are carried out in words (whether physical sound or spiritual). He answers us, but not necessarily when we want an answer but when He knows we need it. The answer can be provided in the still of our hearts, the actions of another person, maybe words that cannot be physically heard (yet we are convinced we heard them*) or by paths being smoothed. We can have conversations with God through reading and contemplating on Scripture. God converses through opening our minds and reveling a new aspect of His word or guiding our thoughts to how it connects to us or the world today. He speaks to us through our priests through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, when we are offered spiritual guidance and (God-willing) absolution.

Some people try very hard and desire to have what they consider to be the same personal and intimate relationship others have with God. As if, somehow, the person who talks with God as if He is a very close friend, is somehow better or holier than they are. God gives us what we need (not necessarily what we want) and He knows our hearts. Those who need the burning bush receive it, others receive differently, sometimes living in dry periods and others simply trust secure in the knowledge that God answers in His way. God does speak to me in many ways, sad to say I don’t always listen and He has to repeat Himself consistently.

Michelle Arnold (an apologetic on this site) wrote an article on prayer which was an eye-opener to me. My personal opinion of her after reading the article was how amazing strong and steadfast her faith and relationship with God is and I remain impressed with her adult faith and service to God. Michelle (through God’s grace) can serve God in ways that I never will be able to do. Mother Theresa of Calcutta was another who lived a similar challenge.

The wonderful beauty of being God’s children, He gives us our own unique calling and the tools (gifts and graces) so that we can rejoice in what we have and in what God gives to others.

I would suggest speaking to your priest and asking if he can suggest resources (books, retreats or courses) that can help you with your prayer life and discern your gifts or next steps in faith.

** This can fall under private revelation and as St Theresa of Avila cautions, should be rigorously tested against Scripture because Satan can do the same. And if there is one tiny weakness and/or a desire or belief to share it, to first speak to a Spiritual Director and bide by their guidance. St Faustina amongst many others, accepted this discipline.*
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This is the kind of answer I was looking for. Thank you!
 
St. Catherine of Sienna held actual dialogue with God the Father and St. Margaret Mary of Alocoque with God the Son, I’m sure other Saints have dialogued with God as well. We can hold “conversation” with Him without audibly hearing God’s Voice like these Saints did, if we listen for His inspirations and promptings in the silence of our hearts. If we keep patient and still enough and with all the right dispositions God will speak in our hearts when we least expect Him to and when we need to hear from Him the most. God bless you.
 
4love2God said:
Skyhighblue34 asks** :
[1] “If prayer is a conversation with God and
[2] you’re supposed to stop and listen for what He has to say, does that mean
[3] all people have the chance to get to a point where they can actually talk to Him like some of the saints did?”
**
I can’t believe you asked this inane question.
Are you seriously asking if every Human Being on Earth has a good chance to actually hear God talking to them (like, in a Human voice)?
And, who told you that you are supposed to have “Breaks” in your Prayers, in order to give God the chance to talk back to you?
I ask this question to you, because I have never heard of it.
Is this supposed to be a Protestant thing? It sure doesn’t sound like a Catholic is pushing it.
The obvious answer is NO.

And, it goes on some more** : “if you prayed patiently, consistently, humbly, faithfully, etc, would God allow such a thing eventually?”**
Have you personal experience with ANYONE (not locked up in a Nut Ward) who claims that they hear God talking to them?
Do you know anyone (not in a Funny Farm) who knows someone who claims that God talks to them on a regular basis?
Do you know anyone, who knows someone, who knows someone who claims that God talks to her often?
If not, where did you come up with this idea?

Then, something bordering on Heresy** : “I know that if you pray for something long enough, God may be apt to give in.
I remember there being a verse for it.”**
So, if I pray long enough, that God will fix it so I will win the Lottery? Or, God will kill off my Enemies?
Could you give me the citation for the Verse which claims that a persistent Prayer will often be answered?

Is this a Joke Thread?
Click to expand...
Okay this post has gotten me a little HOT under the collar and it is borderline uncharitable. NOW hear this. I went through 6 HOURS of a mental examination to be accepted to priestly formation.I passed with flying colors and was accepted. and I tell you this!!! After my conversion I have heard the Holy Ghost talk to me in an inner voice. I used to be a very worrisome person and always worried. Since that quiet loving voice of truth started talking to me. I am calm I have peace and I know things will work out. MUCH more than before. Everything that voice tells me has come to pass and everything that he speaks fits Catholic teachings and with two spiritual directors a priest that is my friend and a deacon all saying I am not nuts and seems to be the voice of the Holy Ghost, I believe that God gave me that grace.
It isn’t anything I did or asked. but rather a GIFT from God. My prayer life is much more authentic since this voice and I have seen miracles in my life that i never imagined. Yes I believe that God can do anything and if you pray correctly meaning asking things to better his Kingdom, all is possible. and if we graduate from Kindergarten faith to graduate school a lot more can happen . Moving mountains can be done raising the dead can be done as Jesus said in John 14 about greater works we can do cause he is with the Father. I believe that priests can raise te dead like Jesus and I believe that priest and laity can heal and seen it done. So if God CHOOSES to talk to you like a person would IT CAN BE DONE AND IT HAS BEEN DONE!!! be nice and expect anything God can do and how he chooses to do it. God bless.
 
Also if you read the old testament you will find that God DID kill off enemies and parted the sea. and all those miracles. Asking God to win the lottery. that’s for preschoolers in faith. If you are intune with Christ and you are a true believer in your walk long enough, you would never ask for the winning lottery numbers.
 
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