How do I hear the voice of God in prayer?

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I’m a teenager who’s discerning a call to religious life, yet I can’t say that I’ve had a certain experience of God in prayer. Maybe it’s just the fact that I cannot recognize signs or things of that nature, but I haven’t been able to detect anything myself. I get anxious about this topic because how could one ever become a priest and try to bring God into people’s lives if he himself has never experienced Him either. After all, you can’t give what you don’t have. I guess I just need to open the eyes and ears of my heart, which I know Jesus can and always does, so I’ve been praying for this for a while now, but nothing seems to get better. How am I to listen to God’s voice? Maybe you could drop your own experiences in the responses or just some tips for quality prayer.

Thanks, as always!
Matt
 
For me it’s the Rosary and Adoration. Sometime both.
Sometimes it’s just sitting in silence.
 
Some of the time I get this experience from reading scripture or the non-Bible readings in the LOTH Liturgy Of The Hours). Many times I get the “word” from the experiences in my life. One special time was when someone shared their knowledge with me. It can be in a blessing or prayer of another for me. I pray for others and I am sure that someone is praying for me to reach Heaven. As you discern religious life there will be someone to help you along the way.
 
I refer to the beatitudes, in some translations it is said that if you are pure in heart, you will see God. Maintain that purity and it becomes easier to notice.
 
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Thinking of Jesus loving smile after holy communion , listening to everything I’m saying .
 
‘Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering, and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice which sounds without, but to the truth which teaches within. Blessed are the eyes which are closed to exterior things and are fixed upon those which are interior. Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly, who try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. Blessed are they who long to give their time to God, and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world.’ - The Imitation of Christ
 
I’m a teenager too and I think it’s pretty cool that you’re discerning a call to the religious life. In school today we were learning about how David (in the Bible) really wanted to seek God, feel God’s presence and hear God’s voice. We learned how David was very bold when he was praying to God and asked God to reveal Himself. There was a time in David’s life when he kept having to run away and hide in caves to spare his life. While in the cave, he talked to God in a very direct and bold manner. He said something like “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” I think it is important to tell God how you are really and truly feeling right now. Ask God to reveal Himself to You in a way that is according to God’s plan. God is good and loving and will do whatever is best for His children. Something new I also learned in school today was that God was happy with the way David sought Him. God was proud of David because He knew that David will do whatever it takes to seek God. Remain faithful to God, pray continuously with all your heart. God will work in His perfect will and timing. Most of all, He loves you. Don’t give up; God is good. I will keep you in my prayers as well.

Read Psalm 27 it talks about spending time in the presence of the Lord!
 
I suggest you read an unexpurgated version of “Story of a Soul,” the autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. (I recommend John Clarke’s translation.) In the earlier parts of the book, St. Thérèse describes her passionate vocation to join the Discalced Carmelites. Through her tireless efforts and father’s support, she joined the order at age 15.

God bless you.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us.
 
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I hope this make sense… it was a little difficult for me to explain.
 
If you read about the saints, particularly St. Teresa of Avila, who could be considered a “Doctor of Prayer”, she stresses that in the spiritual life, the experiences in prayer are not that important. What is more important is the striving after virtue. Peace and joy are the truest indicators of holiness of life and a good prayer life.
 
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