Listening to God: “Finding Jesus”

Chris hears Jesus’ words in his heart for the first time…

Jesus doesn’t only speak to us during a ‘designated prayer time’, He can speak to us at any time! In ‘Finding Jesus’ Chris ‘hears’ Jesus speak in his heart during a class lesson. “Keep your eyes open!” is what he senses in his heart. These words aren’t audible, but they simply came to little Chris internally. This could sound like it came from his own imagination, right? Well, yes, it could be but the more we listen to God, the more we get a sense that ‘His Words’ will have ‘His Signature’. His signature shows up as an increase in peace, love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. God’s words come with an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Also, God’s words are clear (not confusing to cause anxiety) and they are consistent. By this I mean: if He says today, “Keep your eyes open!” He won’t say the next day “Don’t bother looking!” That would be completely confusing, right!



Chris hears Jesus’ words in his heart a second time…

Often, Jesus will repeat His words so that we get the message! And this is what Chris experiences. The second time Chris senses these words internally are while he is in the line for Holy Communion. When he receives his blessing from Fr. Wymer he feels the same sense in his heart as he had felt at school: “Keep your eyes open!”



“Keep your eyes open!” becomes clear!



When Chris returns to his pew he is watching Fr. Wymer replace the ciborium, containing The Body of Christ, back in the Tabernacle. His friend, Shani, has also been paying close attention to the mass. And they both realise, at the same time, that the Tabernacle in church contains the presence of Jesus, just like the Old Testament Tabernacle contained the presence of God in the Ten Commandment stone tablets from Heaven.

Chris did keep his eyes open, as the Lord had asked, and he got the deeper message that the Lord wanted to show him! Now Chris, and Shani, knew exactly how they should make their walk in Tabernacle: it had to be in the shape of the one in church! This was an Epiphany moment!



How can you put ‘listening to God’ into practice in your child’s life and into your own life?

Can I suggest that you take a look at this 7-minute video presented by Fr. Mark-Mary, one of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal?



I can say, with my hand on my heart, that Jesus has spoken to me, over the years, in all manner of ways – but quite often it was through still images in my mind or sometimes like a ‘short clip’ from a movie.

If you have never heard God speak to you, then the there are a few steps that you can take to help this become a reality…

Step 1: Expect Jesus to Speak

Believing that this is possible is often the hardest step to take! If you don’t believe this reality, then you aren’t going to be able to convince your child of it either. As a parent, if you have not as yet heard Jesus speak to you in your heart, through a friend’s words, through the bible or in any way at all, then this will sound unbelievable - It will probably sound like it’s make-believe or a hallucination. But it is a reality and part of our relationship with God.



So, pray to God for an openness to hear Him speak. Our God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are relational. They made you and I, in Their likeness, to be relational. Not just with each other - but with them as well! They are desperate to speak with us! As it says in the book of Jeremiah:

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3: New Jerusalem Bible

It is also important to be in a state of grace. That is to be in as close communion with God as is possible: taking the time to prayer daily, receiving Holy Communion at least every Sunday and going to The Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly.

Step 2: Spend time in silent, listening prayer

Start by spending 5, then 10, then 15 minutes etc. in silent prayer as you are able, and be expectant that God may speak. Aim to work up to listening to God for half an hour or even one hour (if you have that amount of free time). God might speak in your heart with directions to solve your problem. He might give you an idea. He might let you feel His Love for you. You might feel His peace. You might feel ‘goosebumps’ on your skin (this is simply God saying, I am here!) You might get an anointed image in your mind. This image could also be your imagination, so test everything, as it says in the Bible. I think it is important to speak to other trusted Catholics who will be able to help you discern what you are experiencing. Someone who has been listening to God for some years – perhaps a Spiritual Director? Ask God to bring someone to you, or to show you the right prayer group for you to develop in your listening to God. Sadly, all Catholic priests aren’t open to God communicating in this way – so also be prepared for that.

One of the best things that you can do is to simply be attentive to what is happening around you-as well as within you. For example, in the video above, God kept sending Fr. Mark-Mary images of Our Lady of Guadelupe. He discerned that this meant he was in the right place but did you also notice what else happened? Our Lady of Guadelupe is the Patroness of the Friars of the Renewal - the very order that God was leading him to! Not everything is revealed at once – sometimes it becomes clearer later!

When you feel ready, you and/ or your spouse can spend a few minutes during bedtime prayers with your child dedicated to ‘listening to God’. Don’t be surprised if your child ‘hears’ something before you do, as children are often more open to God.



Finally, a few words from Fr. Mark-Mary about discerning a possible ‘word’ from God against reality.