My first Catholic Charismatic Prayer meeting

[JacktheCatholic]

Here is the letter I wrote to a good friend who is a fallen Catholic and an active member at an Apostolic church (Pentecostal branch) that speaks tongues and has wanted me to speak tongues as well. I wrote him a letter explaining my first experience and also wanted to share with my brothers and sisters here. Hopefully you guys can share or offer advise for a person actively seeking growth in Charismatics.

LETTER:

Well… last night was pretty cool. A lot happened and I am not sure I know everything.

I went by myself because Donna and the kids were at Catechism. I was nervous to be around a group of people I am not familiar with and especially because this is a new area of devotion to God for me. I have read enough to have an idea of things and once in my very ignorant days I went to a Pentecostal church on 8 mile with my girlfriend and they were doing Charismatics. But even that one trip to the Charismatic church did not prepare me for last night.

The night started out a little slow with people greeting each other. Then we gathered in a circle with two people playing guitar and started to sing songs of praise to Jesus. After singing the first song every one went into prayer praising Jesus and God and then a few started speaking in tongues. We then started singing another song and while singing each song we were standing with our arms raised in most cases. After singing two songs everyone again went in to prayer and I think everyone in the room ended out praying in tongues with the exception of myself (there were about 15 of us). After that one of the women started saying that Jesus is in the room and is very pleased with us and loves us, she described it a little further but that is all I can recall. We then sang some more, most everyone was older than me and some at this point were sitting though still very reverently singing and meditating on prayer too. The end of the songs was the same with everyone praying in tongues and then this lady started saying something about Jesus inviting us to join him in the pool and said to walk in the center of the room. We all walked in to the center of the room and people were still praying with an arm raised and another hand on someone’s shoulder. We then sang a song and this one was asking the Holy Spirit to fall and to open our hearts to Jesus. We then switched hands and placed our left hand (before it was the right on the person on the right) on the person to the left of us and we sang and prayed. When we were done singing and with another prayer the guy I was next to said that he saw someone’s left hip start to heal and someone else’s right wrist. He then went on to say that someone that has been having stomach problems is being healed. We all went back to our seats and started talking a bit before listening to a CD talking about evangelization.

I left after that.

My experience was a little reminiscent of a night I held a rather long prayer on my knees and during this prayer I felt lighter as though my body was more like air and I tingled. The tingle was a bit like a part of the body ‘falling asleep’ but there was no discomfort and it was actually relaxing. I felt that way during the songs and prayer. I also started off very nervous and afraid I would sweat profusely but I actually became relaxed and spirit filled. I felt the Spirit in the room and in me kind of like that night I just mentioned except it last for over an hour.

Also, when he said the thing about the stomach I think it could have been for me since I have had stomach problems for three years.

They did not pray over me (you say pray through) but they have a seminar coming up where they teach some things and offer the prayer for tongues then.

So, that was my experience as I recall it today. What do you think?

[Peaceful Dove]

Great experience.
Wonderful!!!
I have known folks who got so nervous they left half way through prayer meetings. Many came back the following week though.

I always ask someone to come at least 5 or 6 times before deciding it is not for them.

I will be praying that the healing of the stomach was for you.

The person calling out these healings is probably manifesting the Gift of the Word of Knowledge. That is how that gift works. That has been my gift for about 30 years, too. God seems to like to hand this gift out to folks. lol

[CatholicFlame]

Oh Jack, that was a great testimony of your experience of God at the prayer meeting. The reason why I say this is because I know just what you are talking about with that tingling sensation.

That is the presence of God showing you that He is near you. Probably it is more than that too, I am still trying to understand it.

But listen to this: Before I ever got involved with Charismatic Renewal, I used to be very devoted to a weekly novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. We would have a mass on monday evening and afterwards pray the novena and sing songs for about 15-20 minutes.

Well, I would go every week and the songs were very pleasing and uplifting, honoring our Lady and asking for her prayers and help. It was so powerful though! And after a few months, something surprising started to happen to me. Every week, toward the end of the prayers and songs, my hands would start to tingle in the way you described. Sometimes very strongly, but always at the end of the novena!

It got to the point one night that I prayed "Lord what is going on???" "Why are you dong this to my hands?" And get this, I tried to lace my hands together to pray after the novena but I couldn't! It was like there was all this power in them and it was tangible. Like if you tried to lace your hands together to pray with a ball in the middle. You wouldn't be able to push your palms together. It was like that.

And so after a few weeks of this (and mind you, I had no clue about charismatic gifts or even of the gift of healing- I was really naive!) I just felt somehow as I again asked God "why is this happeneing?" that He was telling me to put my hands on someone and pray! I was like whoa, I was very nervous to to something like that. And I didn't do it.

I felt kinda bad about that afterwards though. And the next week, as usual it happened at the end of the prayers. Agian I felt that the Lord was asking me to place my hands on someone and pray for them. So this time, I didn't want to let Him down, cause I felt as if I did the week before. So. My freind was sitting in the pew in front of me and she was getting up to leave. And LOL, I just put my hand on her arm as she was leaving and said "God bless you Elvira" LOLOL

That was my first time praying over somebody!!! LOL

too funny, too funny, for those who know about praying over. Talk about a beginning experience of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. hehe

But wow, It was our Lady who first brought me the gift of healing, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

[CatholicFlame]

Hi there Jack,

I wanted to ask you something about your first experience at a prayer group. Did you find that the Spirit of the place there was peaceful?

Thank you for your sharing with us!

[JacktheCatholic]

Hi there Jack,

I wanted to ask you something about your first experience at a prayer group. Did you find that the Spirit of the place there was peaceful?

Thank you for your sharing with us!

Yes. I am the type of person to suffer from an anxiety in new places and with many people. I figured I would be very nervous and sweating. Funny part of this meeting was that at first I was showing those symptoms start to build but then I actually became relaxed and peaceful.

[CatholicFlame]

Well praise God brother Jack, it sounds like He was helping you to have peace in a situation that would normally be very stressful!

[JacktheCatholic]

Well praise God brother Jack, it sounds like He was helping you to have peace in a situation that would normally be very stressful!

I agree.

I think that this is where God is leading me and i hope to be his tool to help the Catholic Church. I also wish to find more ways to Love God and the adoration and praise of this last meeting was very beautiful.

[MoNiCa4316]

wow that's great! :D it sounds like a really cool experience you had there, Jack :)
CF, I found what you said really interesting..because I felt that too once - the whole tingling thing - lol..I have no idea what it means! Once I was praying for someone (they weren't around though), and I felt exactly what you described...it was like there was this power..and I remembered how charismatics always talk about putting your hands on someone and praying for them...and I wanted to do that, but obviously couldn't because the person wasn't around. I don't know! hmm... I have strange things like that happen to me when I'm praying for a long time. But only if I really get into the prayer and am really focused on God. What do you think that could mean?

[CatholicFlame]

Well it sounds like both you, Jack and myself (and probably many many others) have experienced that if you pray long enough, and possibly more importantly, hard enough, God manifests His presence to you at times.

I think it means that you should keep praying like that Monica! :D

peace be with you my sis

[MoNiCa4316]

haha I think so too! :)

[CatholicFlame]

;) Monica


and Hey Jack! I had an idea about something bro. Would you be willing to post on a thread once a week here and tell us what your experience at the prayer group was like? I think that it would be fascinating to see you grow in the life of the Spirit. It is already so wonderful to hear about what you have described for us. Pray about that! It would help this forum really be a blessing to others if you did. And it could be like a booster shot of help for you as well, I believe. I wonder if this has ever been done before? hmm, pleae pray about it my brother.

Peace and blessings,

in Christ's great merciful love and presence,

CFlame

[Peaceful Dove]

;) Monica


and Hey Jack! I had an idea about something bro. Would you be willing to post on a thread once a week here and tell us what your experience at the prayer group was like? I think that it would be fascinating to see you grow in the life of the Spirit. It is already so wonderful to hear about what you have described for us. Pray about that! It would help this forum really be a blessing to others if you did. And it could be like a booster shot of help for you as well, I believe. I wonder if this has ever been done before? hmm, pleae pray about it my brother.

Peace and blessings,

in Christ's great merciful love and presence,

CFlame

What a great idea!
I hope Jack thinks so, too.

[Peaceful Dove]

I have heard some really funny stories, often from Priests who attended thier first Charismatic Prayer meeting. The discriptions are hilareous.

I wish others would post their first experience for us, too.
Don't worry if they sound funny that is part of the whole picture.

Mine wasn't very funny. I grew up Protestant and attended Pentecostal churches and knew what they were all about. When I left them, I believed I was leaving them forever and I was glad.
At one Pentecostal service, folks were being slain in the Spirit. One large lady was on the floor for a very long time, folks just walked around her until she didn't get up at the end of the service. She was dead. I was a kid and that really affected me.
Anyway, I became a Catholic during the Old really Cerimonial Latin High Mass Church. I came to love it completely. Then along came Vatican II, followed quite closely by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. A friend took me to the first Prayer Meeting in the 1960's and all I could think was, "OH NO!" It was like going back in time. God literally dragged me kicking and screaming into the Renewal.

[JacktheCatholic]

I am game if you guys are...

I will not be attending again until January because I want to be prayed over to receive tongues and it may be that I have to wait five or six meetings.

I wish I could simply go in and be prayed over. Anyhow, I will share my experiences if you all are willing to listen. Besides I need the direction here.

[CatholicFlame]

We would love to hear your experiences Jack!

I think that all that you say can really be a great help to others here who are also new to the Renewal.

peace and blessings to you and us all

P.S. I guess it is God's timing for you, it seems like a good thing that you have met them right before this prayer workshop is going to take place. Perfect timing in fact!

[Peaceful Dove]

Hmmm, I received my gift of Tongues all alone at home.
We can also pray for you right here on line. God is all over the place you know.

[JacktheCatholic]

Hmmm, I received my gift of Tongues all alone at home.
We can also pray for you right here on line. God is all over the place you know.

Really?

I have my friend from the Apostolic church praying for. I ahve been praying for the gift. If you or any one else would pray this for me I would really appreciate it.

[nephilimiyr]

Really?

I have my friend from the Apostolic church praying for. I ahve been praying for the gift. If you or any one else would pray this for me I would really appreciate it.
Hey Jack :wave:

Just wanted to say that it sounds like you and I are alike. I too ventured into a charismatic service and I too was filled with anxiety and nervousness and usually am in new situations like that, you know, when you're the stranger. Yet, as soon as worship started that is when my education began.

As for speaking in tongues, don't rush it and don't worry about it. I learned that for me, I had to learn how to let go. Being a stranger in a group of people it was hard for me to just let go, my mind would often drift. Just remember one thing, God does give this gift out to all who ask, so when it's time, it will happen.

[JacktheCatholic]

Hey Jack :wave:

Just wanted to say that it sounds like you and I are alike. I too ventured into a charismatic service and I too was filled with anxiety and nervousness and usually am in new situations like that, you know, when you're the stranger. Yet, as soon as worship started that is when my education began.

As for speaking in tongues, don't rush it and don't worry about it. I learned that for me, I had to learn how to let go. Being a stranger in a group of people it was hard for me to just let go, my mind would often drift. Just remember one thing, God does give this gift out to all who ask, so when it's time, it will happen.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

[CatholicFlame]

Hey Jack,

I am really glad that you are willing to share your experiences with us all! I know this will be great.

When the Holy Spirit begins, He nevers stops working on us! Especially when we are so docile like you have been.

Let's see what the Lord does in, with and through you!

The peace and love of Jesus be with you my brother

[JacktheCatholic]

Hey Jack,

I am really glad that you are willing to share your experiences with us all! I know this will be great.

When the Holy Spirit begins, He nevers stops working on us! Especially when we are so docile like you have been.

Let's see what the Lord does in, with and through you!

The peace and love of Jesus be with you my brother


I am not sure of this is pertinent here or not???

After I was confirmed and baptized I started having headaches. I found out that I no longer needed to wear glasses and that it was wearing my glasses or contacts that were giving me headaches. No form of vision correction for close to nine years.

[CatholicFlame]

Do you mean to say that the Lord just reminded you of this as you read my post?

Hmm, sounds like a healing is going to come to you.

Do you believe that this is will happen to you Jack?

Why do you think that you just posted that?

hmm, I'd like to know myself.

[JacktheCatholic]

Do you mean to say that the Lord just reminded you of this as you read my post?

Hmm, sounds like a healing is going to come to you.

Do you believe that this is will happen to you Jack?

Why do you think that you just posted that?

hmm, I'd like to know myself.

I believe I was healed after coming into communion with the Church and that it was something that would not register for me until I needed it. I also think it is something that is meant to be shared at times to help others in their journey.

As to why I just now posted here all I can say is that after reading your post the thought popped into my head and so I posted it with out any thought with the exception that it is another experience I have had with the Holy Spirit.

[CatholicFlame]

Ohh yes bro, I understand you now.

You were healed already of this.

That is to God's glory. Thank you Lord God Allmighty. And thank you Jesus our Lord.

[PaladinGirl]

Praise be to God Jack! It sounds like you had a wonderful time! :clap: Isn't God great?! :bow:

[CatholicFlame]

Hey Jack,

Are you still going to be part of the life in the Spirit Seminar that you mentioned? When is it btw? I was hoping to receive an update from you when it was completed.

God bless you my brother, In Jesus' Holy Name, amen

[JacktheCatholic]

Hey Jack,

Are you still going to be part of the life in the Spirit Seminar that you mentioned? When is it btw? I was hoping to receive an update from you when it was completed.

God bless you my brother, In Jesus' Holy Name, amen

Yes. I believe the first day of the seminar is January 6th or whatever that Thursday is.

[CatholicFlame]

Oh sounds great Jack.

How many sessions will there be in the seminar?

Keep us posted!

[EyezOFire]

I believe God wants to give that to you (speaking in tongues.) Only Believe.

[CatholicFlame]

I found that when I desired tongues, it was because I was seeking a closer walk with Jesus when it happened. It was also a time when I was changing internally. God has perfect timing to restore our friendship with Him in deeper ways.

Only Believe that He has a plan for you, like Eyez said, and that to resist it, would be to make things so hard.

yet , the opposite is true.

[CatholicFlame]

I hope that was not too mysterious sounding. I just meant that when we follow God's plan, all can be light.

He will guide our steps and those steps themselves will be joy in the Holy Spirit

[EyezOFire]

Dont stop with tongues, you get the whole package. All the gifts are available to you , Our wonderful Lord is so gracious.

[Peaceful Dove]

Amen to that!!!!

[JacktheCatholic]

Dont stop with tongues, you get the whole package. All the gifts are available to you , Our wonderful Lord is so gracious.

I think the Lord offers me every grace. I just do not know why I cannot use them?

[Peaceful Dove]

I think the Lord offers me every grace. I just do not know why I cannot use them?


Sometimes we try to hard and sometimes our expectations are too high.

Here is what I mean.
When a friend first received her prayer language, she only spoke a few sylables. She had been listening to the other folks in the prayer group prayingin tongues, some with quite mmm polished sounding sounds. That is what she thought she should sound like. She was focusing on the words and had lost her focus on the Lord. We suggested she just use the few words she had and keep her mind on praising Jesus and just let it happen. She did and a lovely feeling of Peace and Joy came over her. Her tongues developed.

Another person I know only started with a nanananana sound. She was startled when that was the only thing coming out of her mouth. We counseled her to use that tongue and that she might try singing in tongues, focusing her mind and spirit on Jesus. She did and even though the original nanana continued, as she sang, the Holy Spirit started adding words in between and today she gives you goosebumps when she is singing in tongues. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so powerful.
This gal later was given prophesy in tongues when we are praying over someone. These tongues are entirely different than her praise tongues. She then gets the interpretation of the prophesy. This is the first time I had ever seen the same person both speak a tongue and interpret, too.
You simply cannot tell he Holy Spirit how He must blow, He will blow as He will.

[CatholicFlame]

It takes time and prayer to ask God to refine the gifts you already have and to bestow the gifts that you need. All God is asking is for there to be love in the use of all the gifts that you have.

love will drive away all doubts and fears. God loves you and wants you to be restored to perfect love. He will accomplish what He has begun Jack!

Just say yes Lord!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOe4tljnoYo

[EyezOFire]

Only Believe and leave the manifestation up to God. When I got my language I was driving down the road, I had been baptized in the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands for only a month or so. and it was only 1 little "word/sound", but over time it has increased. I'll be praying for you that it would manifest in your life too.

[CatholicFlame]

I have a heavy duty link for you guys.

This will require some seroius reading time but, I've been so inspired by this lil booklet. It is all about spiritual gifts and will be a source of hope and expectation for what God can and may just be doing soon for you and others.

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SeekGiftSpirit.asp

[JacktheCatholic]

Our first meeting was last night and I was told in the 5th week they offer to pray over anyone interested. Of course I am interested so I am planning on it.

My wife is going to go with me next Thursday if we can get a babysitter. She is not interested in Charismatic but I want her there to share with me on my journey.

In the literature I received I was reading that since the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in 1967 more than 100 Million Catholics have experienced the Charismatic Renewal and that today about 20 Million Catholics worldwide meet for Charismatic Prayer groups or meeting monthly.

[CatholicFlame]

Hey Jack,

Good to see that you are here! Oh so there will be 5 nights of preparation for the gift. Praise God, that sound slike a good way to get everyone ready.

Please tell us about the meeting last night. Remember, you are representing CF Charisimatic Catholic services at your prayer group. ;-)

I would love to hear the scope. Like how are they preparing you exactly? How many leaders are there, and how many students?

Oh as far as only 20 million going to prayer groups, yeah that is what has happened. Something new will bring about a change I am sure. We should never stop praying for this.

[JacktheCatholic]

Hey Jack,

Good to see that you are here! Oh so there will be 5 nights of preparation for the gift. Praise God, that sound slike a good way to get everyone ready.

Please tell us about the meeting last night. Remember, you are representing CF Charisimatic Catholic services at your prayer group. ;-)

I would love to hear the scope. Like how are they preparing you exactly? How many leaders are there, and how many students?

Oh as far as only 20 million going to prayer groups, yeah that is what has happened. Something new will bring about a change I am sure. We should never stop praying for this.

Only 20 Million? :eek:

LOL

I think that is a lot.

But anyhow...

Last night we got to meet everyone and get some reading material. It was more of a preparation for the coming weeks. There is one leader and his wife is present. There were only about seven of us total. That is cool for me since I like small groups.

We have some reading to do before next Thursday and the reading comes from "Life in the Spirit Seminars".

[CatholicFlame]

Oh sounds good. Please keep is informed about what you learn through your reading and the seminars my bro.

Yes 20 million is alot for a 40 year old movement. But it is only a little when you want everyone to receive this powerful outpouring!

LOL I have youthful enthusiasm disease.

[JacktheCatholic]

This Thursday will be the 4th week of the 6 week seminar. On the 5th week we get prayed over if we choose.

For the 2nd and 3rd week my wife joined me at my request. She was not comfortable the first time she went because it is not usual Catholic prayer because of the standing and holding hands up and out as well as the praising that happens after a prayer. But after the 3rd week of the seminar she was definately interested in it.

Well we are doing this 9 day prayer novenau and last night was our first day of prayer for the receiving of the Holy Spirit. For my wife it was a great day. She felt charged with electricity through her arms (she said it felt that way) and her hands too but her hands felt warm. She said that this happened again this morning when she was praying over us and that she believes she has the gift of healing.

Well I was like "Wow!"

Of course we do not know what has happened and we are still very new to this. She said she did pray for healing with me because I have been having problems with my stomach for several years now. She wants to have this new sensation of hers discerned and see if it happens again three times. I believe she wants to "cover it in Jesus blood and place it at his cross" and if he returns it to her three times then she will know it is from God.

Anyhow there is our update.

Shalom and God Bless

[Peaceful Dove]

Tell me, how is your Tummy?

[JacktheCatholic]

Tell me, how is your Tummy?

Well first I have not been able to eat onions in three years because they cause the worst of it.

Today I ordered Gang Garee from this Thai place and had it medium spicy and plenty of onions and it tasted great. Also sausage is usually something that upsets my 'tummy' and this morning I had sausage. So I have been abusing my stomach as best I can and the most I felt was a little discomfort from some gas and it lasted a few seconds. Normally I would have stabbing pains but I have not had any today. The next test is how I sleep tonight. Normally after a day of eating my favorite spicy food I would count on a rough night. So... let's see how tonight goes.

So far so good. :thumbsup:

But I should add that healing may not be what we expect it to be but this time it seems right on target.

[Peaceful Dove]

Well first I have not been able to eat onions in three years because they cause the worst of it.

Today I ordered Gang Garee from this Thai place and had it medium spicy and plenty of onions and it tasted great. Also sausage is usually something that upsets my 'tummy' and this morning I had sausage. So I have been abusing my stomach as best I can and the most I felt was a little discomfort from some gas and it lasted a few seconds. Normally I would have stabbing pains but I have not had any today. The next test is how I sleep tonight. Normally after a day of eating my favorite spicy food I would count on a rough night. So... let's see how tonight goes.

So far so good. :thumbsup:

But I should add that healing may not be what we expect it to be but this time it seems right on target.


I will share something with you.
When I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, the first thing I did was go to my former Pastor (a non-Charismatic) and asked for the Sacrament for the sick. He administered to me and then told me that I should not be looking for a physical healing. That God usually heals in Spiritual ways not physical ones.

I then went into a 45 minute lecture on the Catholic teachings on the Sacrament for the sick, the Biblical teachings on the Sacrament and Jesus's promises.
I could almost see his inward yawn.
Well, during the time I was in the hospital after losing my upper right lung, Father was able to witness a miracle first hand while he was praying for me and the doctor was treating me. Doctor verified the miracle on the spot.

When we pray for healing, I expect healing. If God decides to heal in the way He sees in His perfect wisdom, it might not be a visible physical healing but might be a visible emotional or spiritual one.
Nevertheless, if I am praying for a physical healing I am going to expect exactly that.
So, if you see one, even if it is in the beginning stages, get into praise, worship and thanksgiving and give Glory to God.

[JacktheCatholic]

I will share something with you.
When I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, the first thing I did was go to my former Pastor (a non-Charismatic) and asked for the Sacrament for the sick. He administered to me and then told me that I should not be looking for a physical healing. That God usually heals in Spiritual ways not physical ones.

I then went into a 45 minute lecture on the Catholic teachings on the Sacrament for the sick, the Biblical teachings on the Sacrament and Jesus's promises.
I could almost see his inward yawn.
Well, during the time I was in the hospital after losing my upper right lung, Father was able to witness a miracle first hand while he was praying for me and the doctor was treating me. Doctor verified the miracle on the spot.

When we pray for healing, I expect healing. If God decides to heal in the way He sees in His perfect wisdom, it might not be a visible physical healing but might be a visible emotional or spiritual one.
Nevertheless, if I am praying for a physical healing I am going to expect exactly that.
So, if you see one, even if it is in the beginning stages, get into praise, worship and thanksgiving and give Glory to God.

Yes, praise the Lord.

I agree with your point on this and would add that sometimes it seems even our priests lack faith.

By the way I had a very restful sleep last night and no stomach troubles still. :)

[Peaceful Dove]

Praise God.
Our God is an Awesome God! He Reigns....

[JacktheCatholic]

Last night was the night we were prayed over. The first prayer was for the spirit to fall and then we had individual prayer for each of us. We have people with gifts of discernment and knowledge and other things and when they prayed over us they discerned our dominant gifts. Then afterwards we had another prayer for tongues. I have to say that I fought the tongues gift but after the leader laid his hands on my head and prayed I finally let go and the spirit took over and I was speaking in tongues and saying syllables without effort and with a rush. It startled me so much that I stopped.

Anyhow, when it was all said and done I have the gift of tongues and today driving in to work I was giving a test drive. I was speaking in tongues but only a few syllables seem to be uttered. Oh well... I do not have several languages like another lady there but I am praying in tongues. I am told it will develop too.

Besides this I was told I have the gifts of Prophecy and Joy and Discernment and Administration.

I have to confess that this last week has been full of problems and set backs but after last night I feel completely refreshed.

So isn't that just the most awesome?

[Peaceful Dove]

It is indeed, awesome!
And yes it will develope and the tongues may even change. Mine do routinely. I have no idea why, they just do.
You had several discerned all at once, I see. That is wonderful for the Church. They will help build up the Body.

I am not, in the least surprised the week has been full of problems. Was there testimony last night about how others weeks were going? I would bet they were all full of problems. That is Spiritual Attack.
I am guessing your leaders were in heavy prayer the entire week, knowing this was coming. It always happens when the Holy Spirit is moving.
What sometimes happens is that because of the problems, folks get distracted and don't get to the final session to be prayed over.

Blessings to you. I know this will be life changing for you. Your walk with the Lord will be tighter and your life in the Body of Christ will shine brighter.

[JacktheCatholic]

It is indeed, awesome!
And yes it will develope and the tongues may even change. Mine do routinely. I have no idea why, they just do.
You had several discerned all at once, I see. That is wonderful for the Church. They will help build up the Body.

I am not, in the least surprised the week has been full of problems. Was there testimony last night about how others weeks were going? I would bet they were all full of problems. That is Spiritual Attack.
I am guessing your leaders were in heavy prayer the entire week, knowing this was coming. It always happens when the Holy Spirit is moving.
What sometimes happens is that because of the problems, folks get distracted and don't get to the final session to be prayed over.

Blessings to you. I know this will be life changing for you. Your walk with the Lord will be tighter and your life in the Body of Christ will shine brighter.

We had two others that were discerned as well.

But no stories of problems from them. However several others were not able to make it for one reason or another so there is truth in what you say about the spiritual attack.

Thanks for eveything and I hope my little story of starting in the Charismatics helps someone.

[MoNiCa4316]

Last night was the night we were prayed over. The first prayer was for the spirit to fall and then we had individual prayer for each of us. We have people with gifts of discernment and knowledge and other things and when they prayed over us they discerned our dominant gifts. Then afterwards we had another prayer for tongues. I have to say that I fought the tongues gift but after the leader laid his hands on my head and prayed I finally let go and the spirit took over and I was speaking in tongues and saying syllables without effort and with a rush. It startled me so much that I stopped.

Anyhow, when it was all said and done I have the gift of tongues and today driving in to work I was giving a test drive. I was speaking in tongues but only a few syllables seem to be uttered. Oh well... I do not have several languages like another lady there but I am praying in tongues. I am told it will develop too.

Besides this I was told I have the gifts of Prophecy and Joy and Discernment and Administration.

I have to confess that this last week has been full of problems and set backs but after last night I feel completely refreshed.

So isn't that just the most awesome?

wow that is great! :D Praise God! :clap: btw it's true that tongues develop over time, so don't worry if it's only a few syllables in the beginning :)
God bless!

monica

[MoNiCa4316]

by the way, I've noticed that I'm sometimes spiritually attacked when God is doing something in my life...so I can relate to you there; it definitely happens.


:wave:

[Peaceful Dove]

by the way, I've noticed that I'm sometimes spiritually attacked when God is doing something in my life...so I can relate to you there; it definitely happens.


:wave:


Whenever I come under Spiritual attack, I know God is working. I worry when I am NOT under attack! ^_^

[CatholicFlame]

Gift of Tongues


Last night was the night we were prayed over. The first prayer was for the spirit to fall and then we had individual prayer for each of us. We have people with gifts of discernment and knowledge and other things and when they prayed over us they discerned our dominant gifts. Then afterwards we had another prayer for tongues. I have to say that I fought the tongues gift but after the leader laid his hands on my head and prayed I finally let go and the spirit took over and I was speaking in tongues and saying syllables without effort and with a rush. It startled me so much that I stopped.

Anyhow, when it was all said and done I have the gift of tongues and today driving in to work I was giving a test drive. I was speaking in tongues but only a few syllables seem to be uttered. Oh well... I do not have several languages like another lady there but I am praying in tongues. I am told it will develop too.

Besides this I was told I have the gifts of Prophecy and Joy and Discernment and Administration.

I have to confess that this last week has been full of problems and set backs but after last night I feel completely refreshed.

So isn't that just the most awesome?

Hey Jack... wow I am being filled with joy as I am typing these words to you btw... praise Jesus!

Well I just want to congratulate you for sticking it out and for trusting in Him.

God will use you mightily and I feel like I am being given something to share with you. It is related to the vision that cornelious had in the book of Acts. The vision was of an Angel who came to him and told him that, because of his good deeds, God was going to do something great for him. Here is what happened to him:

(You are) devout and God-fearing along with his whole household, who used to give alms generously to the Jewish people and pray to God constantly.
One afternoon about three o'clock, he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him, "Cornelius."
He looked intently at him and, seized with fear, said, "What is it, sir?" He said to him, "Your prayers and almsgiving have ascended as a memorial offering before God.
Now send some men to Joppa and summon one Simon who is called Peter.
He is staying with another Simon, a tanner, who has a house by the sea."
When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from his staff,
explained everything to them, and sent them to Joppa.
Acts 10: 2-8

Jack I believe that the Lord has allowed this to happen to you because of all the good that you have done.

May the Lord refresh you and strengthen you for He loves you.

[JacktheCatholic]

May the Lord refresh you and strengthen you for He loves you.

Thanks CF!

I am glad to see you are back and filled with a renewed love.

You are blessed indeed.

[CatholicFlame]

Thank you my brother

Be at peace