Needing help, I think I may have the Spiritual Gift of Discernment of Spirits

[lucusk]

While I believe that I have always had this gift, in some form or another, for the majority of my life. As a convert, I had no idea what this was, perhaps some connection to a “spiritual realm” which revealed the true nature of people or actions. Now that I’m Catholic, I know better… . Lately these feelings have started to become overwhelming at times. I do not seek them out, I do not take part in anything which could even be remotely construed as occult, and I don’t feel like there are any evil spirits trying to lead me away from my faith. It just happens.

I realize the obvious answer here is to talk with the priest, however, our priest which I have known for years was transferred to another parish and we have a new priest as of 2 weeks ago. It has taken me a long time to even think about speaking with our prior priest about this, as this whole situation is deeply personal for me. Sometimes is can be very uplifting, other times is can be very unnerving. The last thing I want our new priest to think is that I’m some kind of nut job. I’m torn… Should I wait until I know the new priest better to broach the subject, or just throw it out there. It would certainly give me piece of mind knowing I’m not going crazy, but I guess I am looking for council to validate what I already know what I need to do.

Bless you, and thank you in advance.

 

[mommy_k]

Perhaps find a Charasmatic group in your diocese. They can help you find a priest to discuss this with.

You don’t have to stay within your Parish to discuss things with a priest.

 

[CB_Catholic]

I too believe I have this gift, and it has helped me a lot. It’s just part of my life and has served me and others well. I did pray for it because I was afraid that I would be somehow deceived in my faith and follow the wrong path, or my friends would be deceived also. I have never spoken with a priest, nor have I ever mentioned it to anyone. One does not have to be a charismatic to ask for and receive this gift, in fact, I think many people have it and don’t recognize it as a gift from the Holy Spirit, they just seem to have extraordinary perception and reasoning, but I think for the most part it is the gift of Discernment.

 

[Casilda]

I’d wait to get the know the priest better. I prayed for this gift many years ago because I was tired of trusting people only to be hurt. I wanted to be able to discern good from evil. My husband knows I have it.

 

[lucusk]

Thank you for all of your insight! Unfortunately, we don’t have a diocese that has a charismatic group anywhere near me. Perhaps, this is God’s way of telling me I need to setup a visit with them and take a “vacation” to visit them. I appreciate the responses. God Bless.

 

[Pythagoras]

While I believe that I have always had this gift, in some form or another, for the majority of my life. As a convert, I had no idea what this was, perhaps some connection to a “spiritual realm” which revealed the true nature of people or actions. Now that I’m Catholic, I know better… . Lately these feelings have started to become overwhelming at times. I do not seek them out, I do not take part in anything which could even be remotely construed as occult, and I don’t feel like there are any evil spirits trying to lead me away from my faith. It just happens.

I realize the obvious answer here is to talk with the priest, however, our priest which I have known for years was transferred to another parish and we have a new priest as of 2 weeks ago. It has taken me a long time to even think about speaking with our prior priest about this, as this whole situation is deeply personal for me. Sometimes is can be very uplifting, other times is can be very unnerving. The last thing I want our new priest to think is that I’m some kind of nut job. I’m torn… Should I wait until I know the new priest better to broach the subject, or just throw it out there. It would certainly give me piece of mind knowing I’m not going crazy, but I guess I am looking for council to validate what I already know what I need to do.

Bless you, and thank you in advance.

Can you please tell us some examples that made you think that you had the gift of the Discernment of Spirits?

 

[moonlight87]

When I went to a charismatic meeting, a priest laid on hands and asked what gift I wanted to ask for. I told him to ask God to give either of them, even tough it was recommended to ask for the gift of prophecy in the first place.
My priest adviced me though to always start with asking for the gift of wisdom. He is right without wisdom we can do nothing. Even if we had the gift of discernment or prophecy.