Hearing God vs Satan?

[Truth_Faith13]

I am not great at listening/hearing God…it is something I am still working on. I want to do His will and be a member of His church but knowing what He wants his difficult for me. As I have said in my other posts I am feeling drawn to the Catholic Church although I am still unsure on this matter. I am considering going to mass at some point. All I want is to be a part of His church and I don’t know where that is…I have prayed for guidance and for Him to direct me but I worry that I’ll miss the answer or misinterpret or worse listen to Satans lies.

I went to a Church of England service today which I did enjoy (it was a more modern one so a guitar and modern songs) but I worry that I am listening to my emotions and ability to hear music (I play the piano) instead of God…

I suppose my question is how do I know for certain it’s God who is talking to me instead of Satan disguised as an angel of light…

Thanks for all of your help thus far

 

[SybilMolly]

This could be unhelpful depending on yourself, but my religion teacher, a sister, advises us to reflect on our emotions if one is not sure whether the Father or Satan speaks to us. There is a sort of feeling you can get when you are in the presence of demons—but this ‘feeling’ can get destroyed by watching too many innapropiate movies, video games, reading bad books, or being around sinful behavior a lot. I can’t explain it; it sort of feels like how you felt when you heard someone say a bad word for the first time, a sort of ‘we’re not supposed to say that’ feeling. Sorry if this is unhelpful.

Also, go to a Catholic Mass. Talk to a Catholic priest and share that you are wondering where God wants you to be. Chances are that it’s with Him.

That’s all I have to say but know that you are not alone! It is very challenging for me to listen to Him sometimes, and I know others who have struggled with it as well.

 

[Cricket2]

I am not great at listening/hearing God…it is something I am still working on. I want to do His will and be a member of His church but knowing what He wants his difficult for me. As I have said in my other posts I am feeling drawn to the Catholic Church although I am still unsure on this matter. I am considering going to mass at some point. All I want is to be a part of His church and I don’t know where that is…I have prayed for guidance and for Him to direct me but I worry that I’ll miss the answer or misinterpret or worse listen to Satans lies.

I went to a Church of England service today which I did enjoy (it was a more modern one so a guitar and modern songs) but I worry that I am listening to my emotions and ability to hear music (I play the piano) instead of God…

I suppose my question is how do I know for certain it’s God who is talking to me instead of Satan disguised as an angel of light…

Thanks for all of your help thus far

I would suggest that your feeling drawn to the Catholic Church is one way that God is talking to you. Here is something to try: Simply locate a Catholic Church near you. Use no other method of choosing that Church other than “it is the closest one to me.”
Then go to Mass at the Church over the next 4-6months, making a commitment to stay put for that time frame. (No hunting for other Parishes )…Try every Mass time you can during this time, as the music will be different and in some cases the officiating Priest may vary.

Use this time to observe, pray and “get a feel” for the “Spirit” of the Parish in question.
This may sound a little mechanical, but in some ways it frees you from “other” reasons to pick a Parish. It is using a practical approach and letting the “other” stuff become secondary for a while.

 

[nikoletodd]

Before I was a Catholic I grew up a Bible thumping Protestant. I grew up in a faith that believed Catholics worshipped idols and baptized babies even though they had committed no sins…Oh and worshipped Mary and saints. We used lines like “Thou shall have no other Gods before me” and That only God can forgive your sins and to pray directly to him. Since then, I became a Catholic and learned the true basis of the Catholic religion and my favorite part? The act of confession and reconciliation.

Even as a protestant I wanted to confess to a preist all my childhood sins of lies etc. I wanted to be held accountable. You are being drawn into the catholic faith for a reason…you have to ask yourself what is intriguing? What do I want to get out of this? Explore the faith through an RCIA class. I somewhat disagree with the poster that said go to the catholic church nearest and don’t parish shop. I agree that you start there but if you find, like I did, that my local parish consisted of 98% of people being twice my age you may want to find a place to build your spiritual home.

Satan is the perpetrator of lies. He has come to kill, steal and destroy. If you have been called to the catholic faith do not let him detour you from your path.

 

[Truth_Faith13]

Thanks for your advice OK so I went to a mass this evening at my local parish…ill be honest there were parts I liked and parts I didn’t so I am still very much confused, but it will probably take me a while to bravely things and work them out. It probably didn’t help the priest had a very strong Indian accent and I couldn’t understand a word of what he said…I couldn’t tell you what the sermon was about!

Ill just be honest and mention all bits I noticed even if they are silly and see what you guys think?

I liked the fact that when I arrived, it was quiet and everyone was quietly praying it had more of a “in the presence of God feel” and being respectful of Him. I am too used to the chatting and gossiping of my evangelical church where you are pounced on as you walk through the door. I was surprised to find they had guitars…wasn’t expecting that although hardly anyone really sang which was a shame as I have always enjoyed hymns…it would probably be better if I could sing, but I can’t and rely on listening to others and have always found it so uplifting…but without anyone really singing and those that did not well…I missed that feeling. They did have two of my favourite hymns though.

I amazed myself by remembering the Hail Mary from my school days and knew some of the responses…I did feel a bit lost at times but just stood quietly if I didn’t know what was happening and followed others in terms of kneeling/praying etc… It was nice to be surrounded by the pictures, paintings and statues - I felt like I was in Gods house as opposed to the plain white walls of my evangelical church. I also didn’t feel at all strange saying the Hail Mary or talking of saints.

No one said hello before or after mass which I was ok on one hand as it made it more about God (instead of socialising), however being the only Christian in my family I have always found comfort in get togethers with friends from church, other church activities etc. I know it’s difficult to get a feel for it in one mass but it seemed as it was a come, have mass, go, don’t socialise and I think I would miss the socialising part. My husband thinks it might be better in a different parish and/or time day. I did kind of feel at times that the words the priest/people were saying didn’t mean anything as they were so used to saying them…but I guess that’s a “no person is sinless/perfect” etc

Once again, that’s for all of your help

 

[nikoletodd]

Here’s a tip for the converts Not all Catholic parishes are overly welcoming. If you are looking for that…try a small catholic parish. My parish is probably 250/300 people and I know 80% of them. Only about 120 attend on any given SUnday but they recognize a newbie and are happy to have you. As far as the kneel/ stand / pray…well those can all be found in the Misselette. Just take some time to familiarize yourself…turn to page ------- is usually included.

Mass music will be different but maybe not in a bad way. List your priorities and find a mass that feels like home. It should feel like you get something from it and walk out renewed for the week. Ready to tackle the world. Again, sign up for Journey of the Faith RCIA. It’s a blessing.

Best of luck!

 

[Cricket2]

If you couldn’t understand that particular priest, and there is another priest at that Parish try a different time. The music might be different also. My Parish has 4 different choir groups so depending on when you attend you get different music and a difference in how much the Parishioners sing as well.

If this is the only Priest, then you might try another Parish. Don’t feel hurried or compelled to make a choice in a couple of weeks. This does take time. I am sure that one day you will attend a Mass that speaks loud and clear to you, that the music hits you as “right” and that you feel welcome. Keep trying.