Hearing God's Voice

[joshrp]

Hi,

I’ve never personally heard God speak to me. But say He did. What should a person do then? Most people would just assume they are schizophrenic and hearing voices. But so many Saints have heard private revelation from God that most Catholics believe to be authentic. Saint Faustina is a more famous one, and one of my favorite Saints. What is the best thing to do in this case. I’ve honestly had friends who have had friends who have had locutions. How do you know what is authentically from God?

Joshua

 

[joshrp]

Another thing I want to know is “Where do my thoughts come from?” How do I know what their origin is. When the Catholic Church’s authorities are deciding on dogma and doctrine, how do they know what is true and what is not?

 

[fred_conty]

Hi,

I’ve never personally heard God speak to me. But say He did. What should a person do then? Most people would just assume they are schizophrenic and hearing voices. But so many Saints have heard private revelation from God that most Catholics believe to be authentic. Saint Faustina is a more famous one, and one of my favorite Saints. What is the best thing to do in this case. I’ve honestly had friends who have had friends who have had locutions. How do you know what is authentically from God?

Joshua

Hi Joshua,

I don’t really know how a person could ascertain that. You never know for sure. You have to do the best you can in most cases. Sometimes people are fooled, I would think that most of us have had that experience as well. We never hear about those times, just the times that the message worked out allright. But really, how many times have you been misled or misinformed?

One of the criteria I would think is, is it something to do with the spiritual or material?
Is it sudden and out of the blue, or sort of sliding in? Is is clear or cloudy? Is it
something you need to know or it just came willy nilly? Is it helpful to know or just
information? Does it make an impact on you, or just by the by. Is it quiet and
wholesome and peaceful, or or you questioning what it was, if anything?

Some I’ve had I don’t know. Others came at a point when I was desperate or worried
and it was powerful and helpful. I just knew and it made a difference to me.

I don’t want to sound like a skeptic, but I keep a little bit of a “ST Thomas attitude” around
just so I don’t tempt the Holy Spirit that I am a conterpart to St Francis.

I pray especially to the Holy Spirit when I have a passage of scripture I do not understand.
I ask Him to help me find an answer. As strange as it is, usually in a few days or so,
I will find it in a book I’m reading, or a commentary, or a thought comes. Just like that!

I believe I appreciate his thoughfullness more than the understanding He led me to.
Good will and best wishes.

 

[rrowell87]

There are certainly times where I’ll be thinking about something very profound that I’m surprised could be generated by my own mind… I think this is why God gave us Reason, to be able to generate profound thoughts on our own. But sometimes our Reason becomes muddled and confused, especially by all of the distractions around us and the misinformation we are fed on a daily basis. This is when we need to ask God to help guide our Reason is a direction that will best serve Him and all humanity. I don’t recall ever actually hearing God’s voice, per se, but I have gotten many impressions, especially at times where I just didn’t have an answer for something, it would come to me. I certainly think that’s God’s work. His Understanding is supreme above all, but without our own Reason we would be but beasts, and too many people think that they’re just beasts. God speaks to everyone in different ways; they often times just don’t listen or understand that they’re hearing anything.

 

[Jim_Baur]

God said: “let there be light.”

His creations speaks to all of us since it is created by His Word.

The Scriptures are also the Word of God to us when we prayfully read them.

In addition, the sacraments are His Words, thus He speaks through them, too.

Also, reading the Bible is another way to hear His Word.

We are His creation and our ability reason speaks in us, especially during prayer.

 

[joshrp]

God said: “let there be light.”

His creations speaks to all of us since it is created by His Word.

The Scriptures are also the Word of God to us when we prayfully read them.

In addition, the sacraments are His Words, thus He speaks through them, too.

Also, reading the Bible is another way to hear His Word.

We are His creation and our ability reason speaks in us, especially during prayer.

Do you actually have to have a book in front of you to be “reading the Bible”. A lot of times I just think about the parts of the Bible I have memorized. Sometimes I feel like there is a lot of pressure to just be sitting in front of a book and reading. For most of the first milennium of Christianity, most people were illiterate and couldn’t read. Not that that was any better, but we rely too much on sitting in front of a book. It’s better for people to talk about the Bible together than to simply read it by oneself or together. Scripture was produced out of a dialogue of the Church community amongst themselves and with God. This is why Sola Scriptura is so deficient in its promotion of the faith.

 

[halleone]

I believe I appreciate his thoughfullness more than the understanding He led me to.

That is so beautifully said.

 

[joshrp]

God said: “let there be light.”

His creations speaks to all of us since it is created by His Word.

The Scriptures are also the Word of God to us when we prayfully read them.

In addition, the sacraments are His Words, thus He speaks through them, too.

Also, reading the Bible is another way to hear His Word.

We are His creation and our ability reason speaks in us, especially during prayer.

I love all this. Well said.

 

[White_Peony]

Do you remember the story of Ezekiel? There was an earthquake, a fire, and a fierce wind. God was in none of them. But He was there in a still small voice. That is how God speaks to us. In a still small voice. He also talks to us through Sacred Scripture.

 

[TimothyH]

As a very practical matter, one can train oneself to “Hear God’s voice.” More correctly put, one can help create the conditions whereby they are able to discern the promtings of the Holy Spirit and even foster more frequent and stronger promptings of the Holy Spirit.

I don’t mean to come off like it is some kind of process which guarantees that we will hear God’s voice. Certainly God gives to each in different measure. But we can learn to listen for God’s voice, learn to be more attentive to it, and through faithfullness begin to experience God’s living presence more.

In the School of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful little book, a gem really, by Fr. Jacques Philippe.

This little book has done wonders for me.

-Tim-

 

[kaneata]

Do you actually have to have a book in front of you to be “reading the Bible”. A lot of times I just think about the parts of the Bible I have memorized. Sometimes I feel like there is a lot of pressure to just be sitting in front of a book and reading.

When you are reading the Bible, then yes you need the Bible. But I agree that you don’t always have to have a book in front of, though there are many great books to help you pray.

God gave us our imaginations too, we can pray and listen to Him through our imagination. St Ignatius of Loyola was big on that.

We hear God through many different avenues.

 

[MorningSong51]

There are certainly times where I’ll be thinking about something very profound that I’m surprised could be generated by my own mind… I think this is why God gave us Reason, to be able to generate profound thoughts on our own. But sometimes our Reason becomes muddled and confused, especially by all of the distractions around us and the misinformation we are fed on a daily basis. This is when we need to ask God to help guide our Reason is a direction that will best serve Him and all humanity. I don’t recall ever actually hearing God’s voice, per se, but I have gotten many impressions, especially at times where I just didn’t have an answer for something, it would come to me. I certainly think that’s God’s work. His Understanding is supreme above all, but without our own Reason we would be but beasts, and too many people think that they’re just beasts. God speaks to everyone in different ways; they often times just don’t listen or understand that they’re hearing anything.

Good message and well said.

Blessings
Mary

We hear God’s voice all the time - all of us. Isn’t God in the people that we love and love us back. There are times that we have to dig through people in order to find God and once we do, they are the most loving people. I remember working for someone who seemed angry all the time but once I got to know them, it was like a ice gusher. This person was the funniest person - good sense of humor. Sometimes God isn’t in wind, or the earthquake, or in the fire, the Lord is in a gentle whisper - in us.

Many years back and even today, I took a long search and journey, much like Job. In much the same way - I was going to take my case before him! I use to be, and somewhat still am but not as much, like that angry person. Someone who hides in a cave but God began to open me up to his loving words - his gentle whisper. So God does respond back to us, he hears and listens to our prayers. Sometimes we just need to listen back - and that’s not easy when we’re sick or going through a painful time - its like Job, who think that God’s not there. It took Job forever to find that out. Out of all the Apostles - I love Peter and connect to him very well but when I read about the Apostle Paul - he has fire. I look and see all the different personalities - and I think how wonderful you are God for creating people individually.

Blessings
Mary

 

[joshrp]

Good message and well said.

Blessings
Mary

We hear God’s voice all the time - all of us. Isn’t God in the people that we love and love us back. There are times that we have to dig through people in order to find God and once we do, they are the most loving people. I remember working for someone who seemed angry all the time but once I got to know them, it was like a ice gusher. This person was the funniest person - good sense of humor. Sometimes God isn’t in wind, or the earthquake, or in the fire, the Lord is in a gentle whisper - in us.

Many years back and even today, I took a long search and journey, much like Job. In much the same way - I was going to take my case before him! I use to be, and somewhat still am but not as much, like that angry person. Someone who hides in a cave but God began to open me up to his loving words - his gentle whisper. So God does respond back to us, he hears and listens to our prayers. Sometimes we just need to listen back - and that’s not easy when we’re sick or going through a painful time - its like Job, who think that God’s not there. It took Job forever to find that out. Out of all the Apostles - I love Peter and connect to him very well but when I read about the Apostle Paul - he has fire. I look and see all the different personalities - and I think how wonderful you are God for creating people individually.

Blessings
Mary

I need to start reading the Bible again. I used to read it every day sometime, but I wore myself. I went for quantity and not quality. I would read like 20 chapters in a day, every day.

I don’t understand Lectio Divina. I need to get into that more.

 

[MorningSong51]

I need to start reading the Bible again. I used to read it every day sometime, but I wore myself. I went for quantity and not quality. I would read like 20 chapters in a day, every day.

I don’t understand Lectio Divina. I need to get into that more.

I use to go down to the library and read. Also, I wouldn’t just have the bible, I would have cross references and commentaries because I wanted to know about other opinions on a particular passage - as some are difficult to understand.

I started to realize that I needed to pick out a bible that has cross references - and I wanted to have maps. Awhile back, when I went to church for devotions, I found Father’s bible, well…I had to look inside to see what type of a bible he had.Since Father was in the back room listening to his music, it gave me more time to look through it. What I wanted to know was - who the author was? and found out that it was a Thomas Nelson bible edition - great edition. However, the New Jerusalem bible was on sale - so I bought it but still I had my mind set on the NKJV. Father had the most beautiful bible - it was everything that I was looking for. Right now, I have an older version of the New Jerusalem bible from the library - and I use it more.

Now, I do have a suggestion for you when you read the bible because there are some parts of the old Testament that would make me fall asleep. Read Psalms - read them everyday. Also, if you like to listen to good Christian music - listen on the radio and around 10:30 pm - Spirit Catholic Radio - Listen for prayers, devotions, reflections and scripture (sometimes I take the time to listen to Scott Hahn) and also Catholic music. Remember - these things, start slow - and pray. When I started to read the old Testament it was back in 1981. However, I started really reading the Exodus 10 years ago - and I’m still finding new things and how it all connects to the New Testament. Also, I find myself reading the Acts of the Apostles, and thoroughly enjoying reading Paul’s letters and how he begins the introduction to each chapter. Find new things (look for them) - Ask, Seek, and Knock – Matthew 7:7-8, meaning pray. The nation asked for bread, and the Lord gave them manna. (3 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”) - this bread nourishes us and give us substance which we receive, the Eucharist - so Scripture is nourishment,also good for the soul.

I found a verse in Baruch - that I can’t find in the other two bibles that I have, that’s kinda why I have other versions. The verse goes like this "the star shine joyfully at their posts; when he calls them, they answer, “Here we are”; they shine to delight their Creator. It is he who is our God, no other can compare with him. He has uncovered the whole way of knowledge and shown it to his servant Jacob, to israel his well - beloved; only then did she appear on earth and live among human beings. She is the book of God’s commandments, the Law that stands for ever; those who keep her shall live , those who desert her shall die . Turn back, Jacob, seize her, in her radiance make your way to light (light meaning to the understanding)…

Blessings,
Mary

 

[joshrp]

I use to go down to the library and read. Also, I wouldn’t just have the bible, I would have cross references and commentaries because I wanted to know about other opinions on a particular passage - as some are difficult to understand.

I started to realize that I needed to pick out a bible that has cross references - and I wanted to have maps. Awhile back, when I went to church for devotions, I found Father’s bible, well…I had to look inside to see what type of a bible he had.Since Father was in the back room listening to his music, it gave me more time to look through it. What I wanted to know was - who the author was? and found out that it was a Thomas Nelson bible edition - great edition. However, the New Jerusalem bible was on sale - so I bought it but still I had my mind set on the NKJV. Father had the most beautiful bible - it was everything that I was looking for. Right now, I have an older version of the New Jerusalem bible from the library - and I use it more.

Now, I do have a suggestion for you when you read the bible because there are some parts of the old Testament that would make me fall asleep. Read Psalms - read them everyday. Also, if you like to listen to good Christian music - listen on the radio and around 10:30 pm - Spirit Catholic Radio - Listen for prayers, devotions, reflections and scripture (sometimes I take the time to listen to Scott Hahn) and also Catholic music. Remember - these things, start slow - and pray. When I started to read the old Testament it was back in 1981. However, I started really reading the Exodus 10 years ago - and I’m still finding new things and how it all connects to the New Testament. Also, I find myself reading the Acts of the Apostles, and thoroughly enjoying reading Paul’s letters and how he begins the introduction to each chapter. Find new things (look for them) - Ask, Seek, and Knock – Matthew 7:7-8, meaning pray. The nation asked for bread, and the Lord gave them manna. (3 For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”) - this bread nourishes us and give us substance which we receive, the Eucharist - so Scripture is nourishment,also good for the soul.

I found a verse in Baruch - that I can’t find in the other two bibles that I have, that’s kinda why I have other versions. The verse goes like this "the star shine joyfully at their posts; when he calls them, they answer, “Here we are”; they shine to delight their Creator. It is he who is our God, no other can compare with him. He has uncovered the whole way of knowledge and shown it to his servant Jacob, to israel his well - beloved; only then did she appear on earth and live among human beings. She is the book of God’s commandments, the Law that stands for ever; those who keep her shall live , those who desert her shall die . Turn back, Jacob, seize her, in her radiance make your way to light (light meaning to the understanding)…

Blessings,
Mary

I honestly go with whatever translation is read at Mass. This just happens to currently be the New American Bible in this country.

It’s ironic that your name is Mary. Lol.

 

[MorningSong51]

I honestly go with whatever translation is read at Mass. This just happens to currently be the New American Bible in this country.

It’s ironic that your name is Mary. Lol.

What is the Best Bible? catholic.com/library/Bible_Translations_Guide.asp

"In the end, there may not be a need to select only one translation of the Bible to use. There is no reason why a Catholic cannot collect several versions of the Bible, aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each. It is often possible to get a better sense of what is being said in a passage by comparing several different translations.

So, which Bible is the best? Perhaps the best answer is this: The one you’ll read."

joshrp: It’s ironic that your name is Mary. Lol

:clapping: as there are several family members who’s name is Mary - I normally go by my nickname. So whenever I answer the phone, I have to ask, “J,K, A or M”…not so ironic, however - and just out of curiosity (as this gets me into trouble whenever I ask a question toward a remark like this) …could you explain it further? Thanks I’m just curious about that remark.

 

[fhansen]

Hi,

I’ve never personally heard God speak to me. But say He did. What should a person do then? Most people would just assume they are schizophrenic and hearing voices. But so many Saints have heard private revelation from God that most Catholics believe to be authentic. Saint Faustina is a more famous one, and one of my favorite Saints. What is the best thing to do in this case. I’ve honestly had friends who have had friends who have had locutions. How do you know what is authentically from God?

Joshua

We’re only human so anything we experience can be questioned-and probably should be-the saints did as much. But the reason one would believe in a locution is simply because of the source, itself. The Source makes known to the person more than just the words or thoughts that are being infused or implanted. The Source also makes known that He, Himself, another, obviously superior, being, is orchestrating the whole thing.

But there are other criteria we can use to discern, after the fact. If this were done on some frequent basis, randomly, without order, in disregard for the physical location of the receiver at the time, and if the communications were not sensible, enlightening, orderly, truthful, etc., then one should certainly question the source immediately. I’m sure there are all kinds of reasons people claim to hear voices: insanity, wishful thinking, mistaken hunches, drug use-or maybe they’re just plain lying like Richard Roberts or some of the other sleazy “spirit-filled” televangelists out there.

 

[MorningSong51]

Another thing I want to know is “Where do my thoughts come from?” How do I know what their origin is. When the Catholic Church’s authorities are deciding on dogma and doctrine, how do they know what is true and what is not?

Where do feelings of guilt come from when one sins? How can shame be explained? How do we know right from wrong? and when we ignore those signs- who then brings us back to our senses? Where does joy come in and happiest? Also, Love and hate, and what makes us feel a closeness to one person and not another? What brings peace in one country and violence into another? The rise and fall of men - what makes rulers out of some and poor to another?

Ecclesiastes 12

7 and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.