Presence of the Holy Spirit?

[jax123]

Just curious - how do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?

I’m a divorced a catholic who has remarried (although I appreciate this is not recognised within the catholic church) and I have three beautiful daughters. I initially left the church when my marriage broke down but always felt that something was missing - I’ve now come back to the church and have applied for an annulment. I pray almost constantly around my working and family life especially the divine mercy and the rosary but still feel that something is missing. Each time I turn to my bible within a few pages I find a quote about adulterous relationships and find myself guilt ridden. I can’t turn the clock back but can’t quite find myself able to move on.

I’ve found in quite a few different prayers, bible readings etc references to the Holy Spirit being withdrawn - for example Psalms 51 : 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

 

[BarbieJo]

I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when I quiet myself and just listen. Prayer is wonderful, but I think it is just as important to be quiet and still and listen. Spiritual music hleps also. Allow youself to be forgiven for your past mistakes. He already has forgiven you.

 

[Waiting]

Just curious - how do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?

I’m a divorced a catholic who has remarried (although I appreciate this is not recognised within the catholic church) and I have three beautiful daughters. I initially left the church when my marriage broke down but always felt that something was missing - I’ve now come back to the church and have applied for an annulment. I pray almost constantly around my working and family life especially the divine mercy and the rosary but still feel that something is missing. Each time I turn to my bible within a few pages I find a quote about adulterous relationships and find myself guilt ridden. I can’t turn the clock back but can’t quite find myself able to move on.

I’ve found in quite a few different prayers, bible readings etc references to the Holy Spirit being withdrawn - for example Psalms 51 : 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

You may never “feel” the Holy Spirit, but if you’re praying, you know that He’s there guiding you. If you have already applied for an annulment, then I’d say that you are already seeing the evidence of His guidance. Just be patient. Everything will work out. Keep praying as you are. God’s love is unconditional and constant.

 

[Claire_from_DE]

If you have divorced and remarried, you can be sure that it is God’s will that you look into whether there may be a reason that your first marriage wasn’t a valid sacrament. That in itself, based on the desire to come back to the church and the sacraments, is an indication that the Holy Spirit is working in your life.

We are to be led by the Holy Spirit; we are not told that it is necessary to feel His presence at all times. It seems that you are following His leading in trying to clear up your irregular marriage situation. Many people have found that going through the annulment process helps them to be able to move on in their lives.

If you are being troubled by guilt about what you have done in the past (even though you have repented of old sins) and are having doubts if going through the annulment process is a good thing and are thinking that the Holy Spirit has been taken from you, it sounds like the evil one is not happy about what you are doing and wants to make you miserable about it. Fight back with mass, the rosary, and the divine mercy prayers. Don’t give in.

 

[TimothyH]

I’ve found in quite a few different prayers, bible readings etc references to the Holy Spirit being withdrawn - for example Psalms 51 : 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

To feel the presence of the Holy Spirit is a great gift, not one that everyone is granted. We feel His presence mostly from being obedient to his promtings.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ (Matthew 25:21)

The Holy Spirit is not an emotional feeling. That is a mistake many of our Evangelical brother’s and sisters make. The Holy Spirit is a prompting, a gentle push, and sometimes a violent shove, telling us what God wants us to do. It is difficult to discern when one has not practiced and many don’t want to do the work required to foster promptings of the Holy Spirit nor are they willing to put in the effort required to discern if the prompting is from the devil, themself, or forom God.

I would suggest a very short and inexpensive book by Fr. Jaques Phillipe titled “In the School of the Holy Spirit.” It speaks to this issue directly.

But my warning is that we cannot just sit there, even in prayer, and expect the holy spirit to just come to us and tell us what to do. There is work on our part, but it pays off greatly with just a little effort.

-Tim-

 

[MtGargano]

Just curious - how do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?

I’m a divorced a catholic who has remarried (although I appreciate this is not recognised within the catholic church) and I have three beautiful daughters. I initially left the church when my marriage broke down but always felt that something was missing - I’ve now come back to the church and have applied for an annulment. I pray almost constantly around my working and family life especially the divine mercy and the rosary but still feel that something is missing. Each time I turn to my bible within a few pages I find a quote about adulterous relationships and find myself guilt ridden. I can’t turn the clock back but can’t quite find myself able to move on.

I’ve found in quite a few different prayers, bible readings etc references to the Holy Spirit being withdrawn - for example Psalms 51 : 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

keep in mind the enemy will condemn and remind you of your past sins repeatedly…he doesnt want you getting past those few pages and continuing towards God…the “Jesus i trust in You” part of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy imho is your answer. with a truely contrite heart, you are telling Jesus that you trust He will deliver on His promise of Divine Mercy for past sins…

tell the devil to move on and get over them, you and Jesus did ?

God Bless

 

[puzzleannie]

Just
How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

I think your experience is valid and common. We most often feel the promptings of grace through the HOly Spirit to do something we know we should do, or stop doing something we know is wrong, or rectify any situation in our life that separates us from Christ and his sacramental grace. It can come gently, as during prayer or reading scripture. I must be stubborn and disobedient because He uses a baseball bat with me.

 

[jax123]

I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when I quiet myself and just listen. Prayer is wonderful, but I think it is just as important to be quiet and still and listen. Spiritual music hleps also. Allow youself to be forgiven for your past mistakes. He already has forgiven you.

Thanks - as a mum of three hormonal daughters who works full time getting time to be quiet and listen is somewhat tricky. I was thinking of booking myself into a retreat for a few days over the summer (while OH takes girls camping) - you’ve made my mind up for me

You may never “feel” the Holy Spirit, but if you’re praying, you know that He’s there guiding you. If you have already applied for an annulment, then I’d say that you are already seeing the evidence of His guidance. Just be patient. Everything will work out. Keep praying as you are. God’s love is unconditional and constant.

Thank you

If you have divorced and remarried, you can be sure that it is God’s will that you look into whether there may be a reason that your first marriage wasn’t a valid sacrament. That in itself, based on the desire to come back to the church and the sacraments, is an indication that the Holy Spirit is working in your life.

We are to be led by the Holy Spirit; we are not told that it is necessary to feel His presence at all times. It seems that you are following His leading in trying to clear up your irregular marriage situation. Many people have found that going through the annulment process helps them to be able to move on in their lives.

If you are being troubled by guilt about what you have done in the past (even though you have repented of old sins) and are having doubts if going through the annulment process is a good thing and are thinking that the Holy Spirit has been taken from you, it sounds like the evil one is not happy about what you are doing and wants to make you miserable about it. Fight back with mass, the rosary, and the divine mercy prayers. Don’t give in.

Thanks - I have no intention of giving in whatsoever!

To feel the presence of the Holy Spirit is a great gift, not one that everyone is granted. We feel His presence mostly from being obedient to his promtings.

His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.' (Matthew 25:21)

The Holy Spirit is not an emotional feeling. That is a mistake many of our Evangelical brother’s and sisters make. The Holy Spirit is a prompting, a gentle push, and sometimes a violent shove, telling us what God wants us to do. It is difficult to discern when one has not practiced and many don’t want to do the work required to foster promptings of the Holy Spirit nor are they willing to put in the effort required to discern if the prompting is from the devil, themself, or forom God.

I would suggest a very short and inexpensive book by Fr. Jaques Phillipe titled “In the School of the Holy Spirit.” It speaks to this issue directly.

But my warning is that we cannot just sit there, even in prayer, and expect the holy spirit to just come to us and tell us what to do. There is work on our part, but it pays off greatly with just a little effort.

-Tim-

Thanks - book ordered along with another one of his so looking forward to receiving them - although not from the link you suggested; the book was indeed inexpensive but the £70-80 to ship to the UK somewhat too much - Thankfully another case of Amazon to the rescue and only £3 postage

keep in mind the enemy will condemn and remind you of your past sins repeatedly…he doesnt want you getting past those few pages and continuing towards God…the “Jesus i trust in You” part of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy imho is your answer. with a truely contrite heart, you are telling Jesus that you trust He will deliver on His promise of Divine Mercy for past sins…

tell the devil to move on and get over them, you and Jesus did ?

God Bless

Thank you - Am looking forward to telling the devil to clear off

I think your experience is valid and common. We most often feel the promptings of grace through the HOly Spirit to do something we know we should do, or stop doing something we know is wrong, or rectify any situation in our life that separates us from Christ and his sacramental grace. It can come gently, as during prayer or reading scripture. I must be stubborn and disobedient because He uses a baseball bat with me.

Thanks - note to self look out for baseball bats as I’m very stubborn

 

[thistle]

Just curious - how do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?

I’m a divorced a catholic who has remarried (although I appreciate this is not recognised within the catholic church) and I have three beautiful daughters. I initially left the church when my marriage broke down but always felt that something was missing - I’ve now come back to the church and have applied for an annulment. I pray almost constantly around my working and family life especially the divine mercy and the rosary but still feel that something is missing. Each time I turn to my bible within a few pages I find a quote about adulterous relationships and find myself guilt ridden. I can’t turn the clock back but can’t quite find myself able to move on.

I’ve found in quite a few different prayers, bible readings etc references to the Holy Spirit being withdrawn - for example Psalms 51 : 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

Your current status is a state of mortal sin. Obviously God wants you back in a state of grace.
There are only two ways that can be achieved:

• If granted, an annulment after which your current marriage can be regularised
• If annulment not granted then after Confession live a life of continence

 

[jax123]

Your current status is a state of mortal sin. Obviously God wants you back in a state of grace.
There are only two ways that can be achieved:

• If granted, an annulment after which your current marriage can be regularised
• If annulment not granted then after Confession live a life of continence

Thank you for your response - I am only too well aware that my current status is a state of mortal sin. I have been living with this for many years. I have spoken in depth with my parish priest regarding this and the possibility that my situation will change if I am granted, god willing, an annulment.

My questions were about how other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as I dont “feel” his presence. I also wanted opinions on how we know that annulment is in fact God’s will This is the main reason why I haven’t up until now applied for an annulment as I can’t find any references in the bible regarding annulment.

 

[ATeutonicKnight]

Just curious - how do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit?

I’m a divorced a catholic who has remarried (although I appreciate this is not recognised within the catholic church) and I have three beautiful daughters. I initially left the church when my marriage broke down but always felt that something was missing - I’ve now come back to the church and have applied for an annulment. I pray almost constantly around my working and family life especially the divine mercy and the rosary but still feel that something is missing. Each time I turn to my bible within a few pages I find a quote about adulterous relationships and find myself guilt ridden. I can’t turn the clock back but can’t quite find myself able to move on.

I’ve found in quite a few different prayers, bible readings etc references to the Holy Spirit being withdrawn - for example Psalms 51 : 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”

How do other people feel the presence of the Holy Spirit? All I feel is an absolute void. How can I know that my annulment application is God’s will?

I’d be grateful for your thoughts / advice.

First I would like to assure you that the Lord has forgiven you as long as you’re truly sorry. You of course still need to get an annulment, but it is a comforting fact all in the same.

But I feel the need to tell you that you may never “feel” the Holy Spirit, for this is not a church of feelings, but a church of sacraments, facts, and a tradition that goes back to the very beginning of time. Some pray the Rosary every night, go to confession everyday, go to daily Mass, and are even Priests, but they still sometimes don’t “feel” anything. Sometimes we go to confession and we “feel” as if we weren’t forgiven. But the church is not a church of feelings, it’s a church of facts. Whether you feel you were forgiven or not didn’t matter. What matters is that you were. As long as you wanted to do it it proves you are at least imperfectly contrite (Sorry for your sins because you don’t want to go to hell and not because it offended God) which, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is enough to be forgiven. Don’t worry. You’re very close to God. I myself am a little envious of you. Everything will work out.

If you are ever worried about something, just remind yourself of this verse from Psalms: “Trust in the Lord for he is good. Happy are those who take refuge in him.”

Dominus Vobiscum.

:knight1: