Hearing God?

[Skyhighblue34]

Were people meant to hear God? Like when they ask questions, or wonder if what they’re doing is what God wants, were they meant to find out for themselves, wait for an answer/sign from God, or just trust that what they think is the answer is true? I’ve been praying to God to hear him, but I’m not sure how its supposed to work really. I have a hard time feeling that he’s there listening, even though I keep reminding myself he is. I haven’t really had any religious experiences to help me believe and I keep searching/listening for him. I still feel like my faith is dead… I’m really trying to get into a personal relationship with him, but I feel so confused.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

The problem is that God’s native language is silence. The wisdom that comes from God does so silently in terms of human words, because human words could never do it justice.

I recommend you look into contemplative prayer. CCC 2700-2724. It sounds like just the thing. You learn to open your heart and mind to allow God to access your heart and soul directly without interference from your own limited thinking processes. It achieves true union with the prayer of Christ.

Sample:

CCC 2709
What is contemplative prayer? St. Teresa answers: “Contemplative prayer [oracion mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.” Contemplative prayer seeks him “whom my soul loves.” It is Jesus, and in him, the Father. We seek him, because to desire him is always the beginning of love, and we seek him in that pure faith which causes us to be born of him and to live in him. In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord himself.

Sound interesting?

Alan

 

[WaitingForJesus]

Some people “hear” God as you describe, but not all. Just keep praying and you will grow in prayer. Things will become more natural, and the Lord will lead you. I started by with spiritual reading and scripture . After a while you may get a sense that the Lord is talking to you through scripture. Or you may be prompted to do things you wouldn’t normally do as you pray. You may sense his presence in nature or in the kindness of another person. You may even feel that he is near and find yourself wanting to bask in his presence for long periods of time. Do not worry if you do not “hear” God. Not everyone does. He speaks to all of us in many different ways. The key thing is to keep praying! Tell him what you need, but also make time to just sit quietly. It is easier for him to communicate to you when you aren’t talking. Above all, do not get discouraged. Eventually you will realize he has been with you all along.

 

[chimo]

Were people meant to hear God? Like when they ask questions, or wonder if what they’re doing is what God wants, were they meant to find out for themselves, wait for an answer/sign from God, or just trust that what they think is the answer is true? I’ve been praying to God to hear him, but I’m not sure how its supposed to work really. I have a hard time feeling that he’s there listening, even though I keep reminding myself he is. I haven’t really had any religious experiences to help me believe and I keep searching/listening for him. I still feel like my faith is dead… I’m really trying to get into a personal relationship with him, but I feel so confused.

God does not talk to us with His own words. He does this in many other ways. He does talk for instance to certain individuals such as a particular saint so that His message can be more heard. Try reading the Diary of St. Maria Faustina as she received many messages from Jesus which is for us. In this way when you read them it is like God speaking to you. St. Maria Faustina received the Divine Mercy messages from Jesus.

Some of the ways to know when God is speaking to you is to pay more attention to those around you. Often God will speak through others. But to be opened to what He may say to you through others you need to be opened to Him first. This type of recognition always takes time and it is always something that involves you to be trained into this type of discipline. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful Person to be in a relationship with. Remember He is inside you. Do not forget His presence in you. One way to help you to experience God is to pray or more simply talk in your own words. This takes practice and as much as ordered prayers can help you He is very pleased when you go one on one with Him taking the time to talk in your own words. Treat Him in this way and the experiences you long for will come. Don’t give up on your ordered prayers but compliment Him with your own words as well.

 

[Skyhighblue34]

God does not talk to us with His own words. He does this in many other ways. He does talk for instance to certain individuals such as a particular saint so that His message can be more heard. Try reading the Diary of St. Maria Faustina as she received many messages from Jesus which is for us. In this way when you read them it is like God speaking to you. St. Maria Faustina received the Divine Mercy messages from Jesus.

Hahaha that is the funniest ironic twist, I literally found out about St. Faustina today. I’ve been reading her diary on her experiences with God. Truly some amazing stuff; I teared up and felt some pretty strong emotions. That’s one of the reasons I started this thread, because I really wish I could come that close to God. It was just overly-inspiring.

 

[chimo]

chimo;10518851:

God does not talk to us with His own words. He does this in many other ways. He does talk for instance to certain individuals such as a particular saint so that His message can be more heard. Try reading the Diary of St. Maria Faustina as she received many messages from Jesus which is for us. In this way when you read them it is like God speaking to you. St. Maria Faustina received the Divine Mercy messages from Jesus.

Hahaha that is the funniest ironic twist, I literally found out about St. Faustina today. I’ve been reading her diary on her experiences with God. Truly some amazing stuff; I teared up and felt some pretty strong emotions. That’s one of the reasons I started this thread, because I really wish I could come that close to God. It was just overly-inspiring.

Thank the Lord who has given to us His presence, comfort and abiding love in these times we live in. I am happy that you have discovered His words from St. Maria’s Diary. They are for everyone. One way to experience more His presence is to go on Divine Mercy Sunday which is the Sunday after Easter and receive Holy Communion on that day and contributing an act of Mercy. You will also need to go to Confession before that feast day to receive all the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ. He promises complete forgiveness on that day. That means any of your Purgatory will be wiped out. Keep growing within His love.