The strange voice praying the Rosary

[Coreopisis]

(This happened a couple weeks ago.)

My son and I have begun praying the Rosary occasionally in the evenings before bed. The second time we were praying something odd happened.

I clearly heard a little girl praying with us. I stopped my son from praying so I could listen to her and she stopped also. I asked him if he heard anything and he said no, but I did not tell him what I thought I heard. So we continued to pray. The little girls voice became louder and the room became hot. She was so clear and loud I am sure anyone standing even in the next room would’ve heard her. My sons eyes opened wide because he was hearing her also. We listened to her praying with us for the entire third decade of the Rosary and then she stopped and we’ve heard nothing of her since.

I asked my son (13 yrs old) what he thought he heard and he described it as a little girl maybe 6 years old praying loudly with us. This is the same thing I heard. He said he isn’t afraid because he doesn’t believe evil would pray with us and I tend to agree.

I still must question though. Should we be afraid?

The next day I confided in my mother and some of her friends (one of whom is dying of cancer.) They all were surprised that we pray the rosary and later asked if they could join us. What surprised me is that they actually came to my house and one brought her granddaughter and they aren’t even Catholic.

We prayed the rosary and now they think it is wonderful and all of them are saying it on their own. Some on a nightly basis and they want to come say it with us again in a month.

Could all of this be related?

I have to admit I just don’t know what to think about all of this. It is very strange.

 

[DJgang]

So, by you hearing this voice, you spoke to your mother and her friends…thus bringing THEM to the Rosary…the Catholic Faith…

yeah girl! It’s all connected. God is awesome!

 

[TOP]

(This happened a couple weeks ago.)

My son and I have begun praying the Rosary occasionally in the evenings before bed. The second time we were praying something odd happened.

I clearly heard a little girl praying with us. I stopped my son from praying so I could listen to her and she stopped also. I asked him if he heard anything and he said no, but I did not tell him what I thought I heard. So we continued to pray. The little girls voice became louder and the room became hot. She was so clear and loud I am sure anyone standing even in the next room would’ve heard her. My sons eyes opened wide because he was hearing her also. We listened to her praying with us for the entire third decade of the Rosary and then she stopped and we’ve heard nothing of her since.

I asked my son (13 yrs old) what he thought he heard and he described it as a little girl maybe 6 years old praying loudly with us. This is the same thing I heard. He said he isn’t afraid because he doesn’t believe evil would pray with us and I tend to agree.

I still must question though. Should we be afraid?

The next day I confided in my mother and some of her friends (one of whom is dying of cancer.) They all were surprised that we pray the rosary and later asked if they could join us. What surprised me is that they actually came to my house and one brought her granddaughter and they aren’t even Catholic.

We prayed the rosary and now they think it is wonderful and all of them are saying it on their own. Some on a nightly basis and they want to come say it with us again in a month.

Could all of this be related?

I have to admit I just don’t know what to think about all of this. It is very strange.

Sounds interesting. I would not be afraid of anything praying the Rosary with you. I have heard a voice of a man echoing mine over my shoulder at church when we say the creed. I sit/stand in the second from last row in the back always. I turned around to find a little old lady once. I know the voice was very close and in sync with my own. Not scary at all. Maybe my GA at the Mass doing his thing. Take care, Tim

 

[Coreopisis]

I guess the voice did catch their attention especially since both me and my son heard it. But what is crazy to me is that they all came to my house to pray and we heard nothing and yet they are still continuing. I guess one lady told my mom that she felt it was very spiritual for her and she loved it.

 

[DJgang]

I guess the voice did catch their attention especially since both me and my son heard it. But what is crazy to me is that they all came to my house to pray and we heard nothing and yet they are still continuing. I guess one lady told my mom that she felt it was very spiritual for her and she loved it.

oh, what the Blessed Mother can do!

 

[Dempsey1919]

That’s strange…I hesitate to say that it’s a ghost…but what else could it be? You know you’re not imagining it because your son heard it too.

It can’t be evil because it’s saying the rosary…maybe it’s a sign from God?

Anyway…it’s great that you’ve brought more people to the Rosary.

 

[RobNY]

Dear Coreopsis,

It does happen in the spiritual life that God gives people visions or locutions (hearing words).

If you’d like to understand the place of visions and locutions within the context of the entire spiritual life, St. John of the Cross is a most able guide. His The Ascent to Mount Carmel details how one should act who is looking to reach spiritual union with God.

His advice, more or less, is that such spiritual gifts must ultimately be disregarded to pass on to spiritual perfection. It may seem strange or counter-intuitive, but it is true. Besides, it saves one the problem of discerning, “was this authentic or demonic?” which is a question which is impossible to answer with certainty. He thinks that one should confide any such visions or locutions to one’s spiritual director, and then, drop the matter. Nothing that which is not God can unite us to God, and so clinging or becoming attached to such spiritual gifts can, ironically, hinder one’s spiritual path. The pure path is clinging to God in faith.

And, no, you shouldn’t be afraid. The demonic is not a threat to the Christian, who has Christ the Victor as his protector and defender. Especially while praying the rosary, because demons find Mary completely unbearable.

Remember, of course, that one must always adhere to the deposit of the faith, revealed to the Church. If any future visions or locutions should come which contradict the Church, they are spurious and demonic. It is said that the demon tells a thousand truths to slip in one lie-- we must always be on our guard.

-Rob

 

[TOP]

Dear Coreopsis,

It does happen in the spiritual life that God gives people visions or locutions (hearing words).

If you’d like to understand the place of visions and locutions within the context of the entire spiritual life, St. John of the Cross is a most able guide. His The Ascent to Mount Carmel details how one should act who is looking to reach spiritual union with God.

His advice, more or less, is that such spiritual gifts must ultimately be disregarded to pass on to spiritual perfection. It may seem strange or counter-intuitive, but it is true. Besides, it saves one the problem of discerning, “was this authentic or demonic?” which is a question which is impossible to answer with certainty. He thinks that one should confide any such visions or locutions to one’s spiritual director, and then, drop the matter. Nothing that which is not God can unite us to God, and so clinging or becoming attached to such spiritual gifts can, ironically, hinder one’s spiritual path. The pure path is clinging to God in faith.

And, no, you shouldn’t be afraid. The demonic is not a threat to the Christian, who has Christ the Victor as his protector and defender. Especially while praying the rosary, because demons find Mary completely unbearable.

Remember, of course, that one must always adhere to the deposit of the faith, revealed to the Church. If any future visions or locutions should come which contradict the Church, they are spurious and demonic. It is said that the demon tells a thousand truths to slip in one lie-- we must always be on our guard.

-Rob

I wish you where in the confessional with me last night when I addressed this question. Thanks for the advice. Tim

 

[Coreopisis]

Dear RobNY,
Thank you so much for the detailed analysis of the situation. I’ve tried reading some of St. Johns writings and I am embarassed to admit that I just don’t get it. It confuses me. It is nice to get the guidance in verbage I can understand.

I feel you’re right that I need to let go of the voice, it’s just so hard because it was so bizarre. I guess in the end, even if it wasn’t from a good place, good has come of it. God has triumphed in the end. As a result of it I now have a monthly prayer group that wants to meet at my house to pray the rosary and I am getting a multitude of questions about Catholicism. I can tell them a bit but I need to talk to a priest here soon because I don’t feel I should be guiding anyone. I am afraid I will make a mistake. I am just not worthy of such a responsibility. I make so many mistakes.

I wont tell anyone else about the voice. It doesn’t really matter anyway I guess.

Thank you very much again for your advice.
Coreopisis (one of my favorite flowers)

 

[Coreopisis]

That’s strange…I hesitate to say that it’s a ghost…but what else could it be? You know you’re not imagining it because your son heard it too.

It can’t be evil because it’s saying the rosary…maybe it’s a sign from God?

Anyway…it’s great that you’ve brought more people to the Rosary.

I don’t know what it was. It’s not like I’ve ever experianced this before. I guess that is why I posted this I was hoping someone could tell me. Maybe it doesn’t matter?

 

[dessert]

I guess the voice did catch their attention especially since both me and my son heard it. But what is crazy to me is that they all came to my house to pray and we heard nothing and yet they are still continuing. I guess one lady told my mom that she felt it was very spiritual for her and she loved it.

I think God is preparing you for something so stay alert for what He wants you do do keep praying and be watchful. I also think it is a blessing.
dessert

 

[Coreopisis]

I think God is preparing you for something so stay alert for what He wants you do do keep praying and be watchful. I also think it is a blessing.
dessert

Please don’t say such a thing. Anytime God prepares anyone for anything they suffer and that terrifies me.
Please pray for me.

 

[dessert]

Please don’t say such a thing. Anytime God prepares anyone for anything they suffer and that terrifies me.
Please pray for me.

I’m sorry I didn’t mean that in a terrifing way, I actually think it is going to be a way for you to serve the Lord.

Which it already is as you spoke of more praying and it could mean one of those that is praying with you will be able to serve the Lord in a great way.
This is the way someone explained it to me think of serving and be available to serve others.

so sorry if I had a visitor like that so manifsted so direct i would believe it was, she was an angel, I should have clarified that for you as she was peaceful and a child both characteristics of what God wants us to pray in His name. bless you.
Dessert

 

[Pauli]

Please don’t say such a thing. Anytime God prepares anyone for anything they suffer and that terrifies me.
Please pray for me.

I will pray for you, because early in my own prayer life I had a lot of co-incidences that used to worry me wondering if and why and
made me uneasy, or that I’d be asked something that would be too hard for me, etc. I agree with those who said to put the voice out of your mind as much as you can. What you are doing, in your rosary group, is very much on track and a good thing, no matter how it came about. You can trust in God to have only your good in His heart for you.

 

[RobNY]

I wish you where in the confessional with me last night when I addressed this question. Thanks for the advice. Tim

What a terrible responsibility our confessors have!

Coreopisis:

Dear RobNY,
Thank you so much for the detailed analysis of the situation. I’ve tried reading some of St. Johns writings and I am embarassed to admit that I just don’t get it. It confuses me. It is nice to get the guidance in verbage I can understand.

I feel you’re right that I need to let go of the voice, it’s just so hard because it was so bizarre. I guess in the end, even if it wasn’t from a good place, good has come of it. God has triumphed in the end. As a result of it I now have a monthly prayer group that wants to meet at my house to pray the rosary and I am getting a multitude of questions about Catholicism. I can tell them a bit but I need to talk to a priest here soon because I don’t feel I should be guiding anyone. I am afraid I will make a mistake. I am just not worthy of such a responsibility. I make so many mistakes.

I wont tell anyone else about the voice. It doesn’t really matter anyway I guess.

Thank you very much again for your advice.
Coreopisis (one of my favorite flowers)

St. John isn’t exactly easy. It’s good to be familiar with some St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as read an introduction to his (St. John’s) work first. That way you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into!

Fr. Thomas Dubay wrote a book called, “Fire Within: St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila and the Gospel-- on Prayer.” It is a good introduction to their writing, and will probably answer your question. However, it is only natural that the saint’s writing at the source is more powerful. I highly recommend picking up a book like Fr. Dubay’s, and then going on to St. John’s Ascent.

Don’t be embarrassed about not understanding it. The first time I picked up his work, I didn’t either. It wasn’t until I became familiar with some medieval philosophy, and read some more stuff for background (i.e., Fr. Dubay) that I was able to grasp him more clearly.

As a note, St. John’s own position is that the good of any spiritual gift is infused directly into the soul by the very thing itself, whether we will it or not. Hence, as you said… the good is already done, no need to cling on to it.

Like you said, guiding people is a terrible responsibility-- and it seems since you’ve taken my advice, you’ve put me in the self-same terrible predicament which you didn’t want to be caught in-- misguiding souls. Make sure always to follow the Church and the saints-- and you’ll be alright. Perhaps bring problems to a spiritual director/confessor. Definitely don’t take things just on my advice. God bless you.

-Rob

 

[Jessica_Girardi]

I can tell you right now that what you are saying could be true maybe you heard exactly what you heard however, the bible teaches us to pray to God;Jesus and praying to dead people who worked for the Lord is not taught in the bible. And not that I am trying to be smart but if you can find me one scripture in the bible that states to pray to the dead peole who worked for the Lord.Remember the whole pupose of prayer a relashioship with God.

 

[RobNY]

I can tell you right now that what you are saying could be true maybe you heard exactly what you heard however, the bible teaches us to pray to God;Jesus and praying to dead people who worked for the Lord is not taught in the bible. And not that I am trying to be smart but if you can find me one scripture in the bible that states to pray to the dead peole who worked for the Lord.Remember the whole pupose of prayer a relashioship with God.

Jessica, if you have a doctrinal question, please refer it to the Apologetics forum. Otherwise, please leave such things out of this topic, it will divert far off subject.

-Rob

 

[Jessica_Girardi]

I understand what you are saying I will type this to you copy and paste it in a forum. It might not be posted until reviewed though.
Re: Praying is good but learning how to pray is vital.
Praying is a relashionship with God. Praying to other titles and names is not in the bible. Moses was used of God and even Esther was used of God we do not pray to them and there is a reason. First because prayer is a relashioship with God. Praying to another name is simply stating to have a relashionship with someone other than God. But let’s not take my opinion for it let’s examine the bible together…
Genesis 25:21
Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.
Genesis 25:20-22 (in Context) Genesis 25 (Whole Chapter)
Genesis 32:9
Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’
Genesis 32:8-10 (in Context) Genesis 32 (Whole Chapter)
Genesis 32:11
Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.
Genesis 32:10-12 (in Context) Genesis 32 (Whole Chapter)
Exodus 8:8
Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the LORD.”
Exodus 8:7-9 (in Context) Exodus 8 (Whole Chapter)
Exodus 8:9
Moses said to Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.”
Exodus 8:8-10 (in Context) Exodus 8 (Whole Chapter)
The above are examples of praying to God in the Old testament.Now note how we are taught to pray in the New Testament
in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
Romans 1:9-11 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter)
2 Corinthians 1:11
as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
2 Corinthians 1:10-12 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 1 (Whole Chapter)
2 Corinthians 9:14
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
2 Corinthians 9:13-15 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 9 (Whole Chapter)
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:15-17 (in Context) Ephesians 1 (Whole Chapter)
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:17-19 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter)
Philippians 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
Philippians 1:3-5 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter)
Philippians 1:19
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Philippians 1:18-20 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Thessalonians 1:2
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith ] We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter)
1 Timothy 2:1
Instructions on Worship ] I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 2 (Whole Chapter)
2 Timothy 1:3
Encouragement to Be Faithful ] I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
2 Timothy 1:2-4 (in Context) 2 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter)
Philemon 1:4
Thanksgiving and Prayer ] I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers,
Philemon 1:3-5 (in Context) Philemon 1 (Whole Chapter)

See in the above they prayed to Lord,God never to a person who worked for God. Afterall he is the supreme and there is none like him.This whole earth thing is not to make other Gods but to be a relashioship with the one true God. P.S. These are only some scriptures on prayer to view them all search biblegateway.com and enter “pray” and or “prayers”

 

[RobNY]

This forum, dear, not the Ask an Apologist forum. God bless.

-Rob

 

[Coreopisis]

I’m sorry I didn’t mean that in a terrifing way, I actually think it is going to be a way for you to serve the Lord.

Which it already is as you spoke of more praying and it could mean one of those that is praying with you will be able to serve the Lord in a great way.
This is the way someone explained it to me think of serving and be available to serve others.

so sorry if I had a visitor like that so manifsted so direct i would believe it was, she was an angel, I should have clarified that for you as she was peaceful and a child both characteristics of what God wants us to pray in His name. bless you.
Dessert

Oh don’t worry about me. I appreciate what you said it is just kind of scary. It seems like the good path is never the easy path, and I am lazy. It would be so nice for the path to good was easy. I guess I am just kind of chicken.