Expert: Fr. Michael - 6/28/2006

Question
What is the official Catholic view of prayer? I mean, I know that we are
encouraged to pray that God brings certain things to pass, i.e. heals a sick
person, brings peace on earth, etc., but do Catholics believe that God speaks to
us in some way? I ask because I spend a lot of time around Pentecostals who are
always saying that they'll pray to God for guidance for a certain decision they
have to make and then eventually they will say that God told them the answer. I
know that the Church believes that God has spoken directly to certain
individuals through history (Joan of Arc, St. Theresa, etc.) but does the Church
teach that God will speak to us, whether directly or through feelings, impulses
or whatever, if we pray for an answer or guidance?


Answer
The notion that man controls God by prayer is essentially pagan.  The notion that religion is a matter of "feelings" is false.  God's greatest gift to man is his reason, which is what is created "in the image of God."  The reason and the will directed toward right reason brings us closest to God.  "Feelings" are transient and subjective, and have led to many religious errors.  Yes, private revelation is comparatively rare.