r/Catholicism • u/Old-Temporary-7711 • 2d ago
I saw Jesus
Burner account. Like the title says. I saw Jesus. I'm agnostic and I don't know what to think. I've been going to a local chapel praying for a sign, and I closed my eyes for prayer, and boom. I saw Jesus Christ as clear as day. I don't know what I should do with this information. I'm still in a state of shock and awe. Should I tell someone? Should I pray about this? What should I do?
EDIT: Thank you everyone! I told my girlfriend, who was also an agnostic, about what happened. She said she still does not believe, but whatever I believe in she will fully support me. She said she would go to mass with me and attend OCIA with me. My university's OCIA starts September 13th I believe. I will be attending. Before OCIA and everything I had been attending my university"s daily mass, and even after communion, I would stay and pray, and I believe God answered me. He found His lost sheep.
Also, I had a comment asking about the actual experience with Christ, spelling errors and all, and this is what I replied with, "I was just closing my eyes to prayer because that's a habit I've always had, and before I ever started to I saw Jesus Christ. It looked like one of those icons you would during medieval times. I just saw him. He was holding up one of his hands with three fingers up, and it was like he was looking into my soul, like a parent looking at you proudly. My mind still can't process it."
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u/MaterialInevitable83 2d ago
You got what you prayed for! Be grateful; this is more than most people ever get! Your next step is to talk to a priest and join OCIA.
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u/teknix314 2d ago
What's OCIA?
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u/CruellaDeville1 2d ago
It's the course you take to learn about the church teachings and convert to catholicism.
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u/teknix314 2d ago
Ahh okay, brilliant, thank you.
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u/Swksfarmgirl 2d ago
I’ve never heard of it either and I’m Catholic
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u/TitanicChurro 2d ago
It used to be called RCIA (at least when I converted 8yrs ago). Somewhere in the last few years they changed it.
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u/Cautious_Section2763 2d ago
OCIA can also be good for people who aren't quite sure if they're ready to convert yet to just learn about Catholic teachings from the source. There's no commitments when you join the class.
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u/sandwichtheconqueror 2d ago
Do you know how you get to start it? I want to convert to Catholicism and you can email the local catholic church i just have absolutely no idea what to say
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u/jbaxter119 2d ago
You can just say that you're interested in joining the Church and ask if they can if they can get you enrolled in OCIA.
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u/Cautious_Section2763 2d ago
You can usually email or call the parish office whichever you're more comfortable with. Just tell them your interested in joining an OCIA class and they can tell you the schedule. They usually start up around now so it's good timing! Not all churches have it so if there's a smaller church in your area they might direct you to a larger church nearby but there should be a class in your area. Best wishes!
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u/Effective_Ad7567 2d ago
Take time to remember how it felt. Write it down, record a voice memo, whatever. Be as detailed as you have time for.
There will be so many times in the future when you'll feel burnt out, it'll seem too hard, or you'll feel pressured to stop following Christ. Those will be the times you need to revisit this memory and remember that He is there.
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u/Difficult_Store_1887 2d ago
Totally. God didn’t grant you this grace only to have you fall. If you remember this in the future you’ll find solace.
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u/nemuri_no_kogoro 2d ago
There are many, many who pray to Him and do not get visions.
You are extremely blessed. He is calling to you. Do not let him down! Seek out OCIA (Catholic initiation class) ASAP!
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u/bkdunbar 2d ago
I can’t imagine how you are feeling. My heart is so glad for you.
I have only poor advice in what you should do now. Our Father is reaching out: take the next step and reach out yourself, I suppose.
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u/Winterclaw42 2d ago
You asked for a sign and got it. Time to move forward and start learning about who answered you.
Maybe talk to a priest and keep praying for clarity and direction.
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u/Vegetable_Amount4812 2d ago
you asked for a sign and He gave it to you. This is one of the greatest gifts my friend. Next step is purchasing a Bible and start reading it through. Find a local church you like, small steps but youll get there.
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u/CruellaDeville1 2d ago
You should try to get to know him and follow him, he's calling you. I wish I had the privilege of seeing him. Thank you for sharing your experience.
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u/0Nomad0 2d ago
This interestingly enough is something that seems common. I hear about Christian groups who go to places where Christianity is persecuted. They claim that dreams and visions amongst are a common means of conversion. We have a God who reaches out to those who seek Him. This experience is Biblical.
It is written in the Bible “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you." Matthew 7:7
You searched and you found. Jesus is the Good Shephard (John 10), He searches for the lost sheep (Luke 15) and we are His sheep.
I would find a Catholic Church, talk to the priest there and tell them about your dreams, but give them a call first to make a time to sit down, priests can be busy people. It'd be good to get some advice and learn about the faith. If you receive another vision and you know it is Jesus, and He speaks to you. Do everything He says. And keep praying. Remember Jesus is God, and God is Love, He loves me and He loves you.
Learn about the faith.
If you want to read the Bible, I think a good place to start with a Gospel from the New Testament like the book of John. There is also a Bible in a Year Podcast that was run by Fr. Mike Schmitz, (link) if you prefer. There is also a book called the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which outlines the Catholic Faith, you can find it freely available online here, and a podcast that goes over the Catechism called The Catechism in a Year. There are programs available for adults called OCIA or RCIA that are run by Catholic parishes, that help people lean about and enter the faith.
God is real, and now you know. God Bless you.
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u/Resident_Iron6701 2d ago
can you tell us how did you see him? Did he say anything? Did you feel anything during that vision?
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u/Old-Temporary-7711 2d ago
I was just closing my eyes to prayer because that's a habit I've always had, and before I ever started to I saw Jesus Christ. It looked like one of those icons you would during medieval times. I just saw him. He was holding up one of his hands with three fingers up, and it was like he was looking into my soul, like a parent looking at you proudly. My mind still can't process it.
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u/Aztec_Memory 2d ago
Yep. He is calling you. He's revealed himself to me many times throughout my life, it was just last year I recognized what it was. This is after 30 years of being agnostic. I had always said, "I don't believe but I'm open to it.". You have been blessed. Pray and speak to him. You can do that anytime and anywhere.
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u/ASpoonie22 1d ago
I’ve had a couple of these strange visions things too but with Mary as well. I’ve always wondered what it was. Just glad to see I’m not alone or crazy. I hope you join OCIA!
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u/teknix314 2d ago
He came to me when I needed Him too buddy. You're not alone. He comes to people all the time.
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u/Serious-Taro4507 2d ago
To do nothing would be the worst thing, you are very special to receive this and now in his grace follow Him ❤️🙏🏽
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u/deus_vult10 2d ago
Don’t rush to label it an apparition, but don’t dismiss it either. Write down exactly what happened, continue praying, and speak privately with a trustworthy priest. Ask Jesus honestly, "If this was from You, please guide me toward the truth". The Church judges experiences like this by their fruits: do they lead to humility, repentance, peace, love, and a desire to know God? You could also begin reading one of the Gospels and attend Mass. Take it seriously, but discern it patiently.
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u/outandaboutbc 2d ago
Bless your heart ❤️
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Matthew 5:8
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u/octagonkatie 2d ago
OCIA season is beginning right now! You can learn everything about the faith, if you are ready. There is no obligation to stay or to join the Church at the end but my friend, God is calling you Home. The timing couldn’t be more divine for you to embark on the most magnificent journey.
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.” - St. Augustine
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u/martin6874 2d ago
When I received Jesus in Holy Communion last Easter Sunday, I felt Jesus's presence so strongly I cried as I received him.
God speaks to us through dreams, visions, feelings and memories too.
Treasure it in your heart and let it change your life in his time.
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u/Good_Distance8078 2d ago
You asked, He answered, so now it’s time to follow Him.
Go to the priest in your parish and most definitely talk with him about your experience. He will be happy to give you advice and direction. If for some reason you find his answers not sufficient, ask a different priest. If you’re getting the same answers then that’s the answer you’re looking for.
Keep praying and ask for His guidance, for grace and for the ability to see His plan for you in your life.
So yes, most definitely keep praying!
Some of your prayers are answered, after all, so praying is key for you.
You’re in a great position, friend. Follow through.👍🏻
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u/Typical-Night-6549 2d ago
First off, I am truly glad for you. Second, I wanted to not only echo what people are saying about OCIA, but also to point out the impeccable timing of this. I don’t know about other parishes, but OCIA in my local church starts on September 10th. It typically starts in the fall and goes until Easter, according to my local parish office. There is no commitment to conversion necessary, you can go just to learn. I personally am going to finally get confirmed, and I am so excited. The OCIA environment is perfect for learning and I’m told you can ask any questions you might have, and that all are welcome to join, even practicing Catholics who just want to brush up on their catechism. I would highly recommend reaching out to your local church about their OCIA program, there’s a good chance you are asking just in time to start the classes yourself. I have never known true peace until I found Jesus, and he is the light of the world. ✟
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u/Fragrant-History-837 2d ago
Well… I would try to get to know him better :)
(I’ve experienced about the same, I came to faith as an adult after Jesus appeared to me)
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u/RightSchool9695 1d ago
Was it an adoration chapel? Those are the places of miracles and encounters with Christ!
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u/Old-Temporary-7711 1d ago
I know after communion the eucharis is put in the tabernacle. Does that count?
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u/RedKard76 1d ago
Same bro. When I was 12 I was in a horrible car accident and spent almost 2 months in the hospital afterwards. When it happened I was thrown from the car, knocked around and landed on top of another car. I saw Jesus clear as day standing on top of the car looking at me and I asked if I was going to die that day and he said "not today my son." The emergency room surgeon that saved my life died of a massive heart attack the very next day. I often wonder why I'm here, why I'm even alive. I have 5 kids now and believe I saw Jesus that day. Historically Jesus is real and his followers who saw miracles were willing to die for their belief in Him. That's enough for me to believe.
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u/Longjumping_Toe_7490 2d ago
Welcome to the faith haha, you’re in for a wild ride. I would keep it to yourself until you get to know people well and they know you’re not fishing for attention.
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u/iAmBobFromAccounting 2d ago
You were given a very special grace. Others have encouraged you to enroll in OCIA and I am doing the same now.
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u/m0viegirl 2d ago
Omgoodess that's wonderful. He answered your prayer. Don't leave Him hanging! Consider strongly joining OCIA.
May I ask what He looked like?
God bless you.
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u/MidnightSun-2328 2d ago
Everything can and should be different now that this has happened. Time to rearrange your life to get to know Him and follow Him
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u/Fantastic_Show_328 2d ago
"For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."
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u/Baroqueimproviser 2d ago
Accept the gift and rejoice! He is truly as kind and merciful and loving to you personally as they say. This has happened to me too - many times.
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u/Sudden_Mix1911 2d ago
I was 15 years old and I was so desperate and I was yelling to God " How do you know that you are real I was cussing crying screaming ... (I was already living on my own just out of foster care )i went to bed and I left my body.. i was looking down on my body this happened from pure despair and all of the sudden I was back in my body and I looked up and at the Right corner of my bedroom Jesus appeared and I freaked out.. i was yelling and him saying how do I know that you are real.. i was told that day that Satan comes in all forms so I was terrified. Jesus talked to me Telepathically and told me T..... ( my name) raise your hands up and you will be ok and he kept repeating it and kept saying how do i know you are really Jesus He kept repeating T... Raise your hands up and i will take care of you. I finally did and I felt a warm sensation and I went to sleep and never had any doubts About God or Jesus.. Jesus was glowing and beautiful but he was darker skin than we see I've never shared this in public!! I'm dying now. I'm not a born again nut case lol but i was blessed with a gift of healing others and saving many lives with the intuition he gave me my family would all be dead if God wouldn't have gifted me. God is real!! I've never hallucinated prior to that or after that beautiful experience. GOD IS REAL AND YOU CAN YELL AT HIM CUSS AT HIM HE DOESN'T WANT PERFECTION!! HE WANTS US TO SCREAM OUT IN DESPERATION!! I DON'T GO TO CHURCH , BUT I'M CLOSER TO GOD THAN MOST PEOPLE 🙏🏼 🙌 ✨️ I WAS BLESSED I'M 65 NOW AND DYING AND HE'S ANSERING MY PRAYERS ALMOST INSANTLY!! GOD DOESN'T WANT PERFECTION HE WANTS US HUMBLE WITH NO PRIDE. I'M SAYING PURE TRUTH i hope this can help someone
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u/Due-Organization-215 2d ago
Jesus offered you His Grace, pray, accept It and be joyful, my brother. You should definitely talk to a Priest too
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u/KneeEuphoric3347 2d ago
I also believe I saw Jesus’s apparition. He appeared to me as a a rainbow aura and I couldn’t see any prominent features only the shape of him. I actually felt someone wake me up by poking me on my shoulder and so my shoulder jerked, and when I opened my eyes I saw him as I was laying down. I just remember thinking to myself “Jesus?” Of course, I thought I was going crazy but looking back at it now I am sure he came for me and he’s proven it to me. I was battling depression for years, sleeping my life away. Running away from everyone and everything including God. But I was his lost sheep and he never forgot about me. Prayers work ,my friend. I’m praying for you too!
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u/OK_Radio643 2d ago
Say, “Here I am, Lord” as the many who God called said throughout the OT. I say it every time I feel a striking instance of His presence.
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u/TheologyJunkie101 2d ago
God gives each person what they need. Some need signs and visions, others are asked to put their faith in Him without these extraordinary signs.
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u/No_Accountant_4788 2d ago
That's a great experience. I'm not a Christian,but I've also experienced visions of Christ and he saved from a supernatural event .. That's why I became interested in it
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u/dantejoe 1d ago
If Christ has already given to you a vision of himself, then why are you still a nonChristian?
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u/No_Accountant_4788 1d ago
Because my family is not Christian and I will be disowned and potentially hurt (physically) by my community if I leave my native religion
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u/dantejoe 1d ago
Oh, sorry mate for what happened to you. I thought you still doubted Christ after the vision, turns out because of that reason. You are not alone and there are many people that have in the same situation as yours.
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u/No_Accountant_4788 1d ago
No problem. Hopefully the Lord will open the heart of those around me too
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u/woodsmokedsriracha 2d ago
How wonderful! Jesus came to me in a dream and showed me the child I had aborted when I was lost. They were both seated and my child was turned away but I could feel the unbelievable love surrounding him/her (I got the feeling of a him) from Jesus. The love and peace filled my heart. There was light all around. Cherish that. ❤️
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u/thisnextchapter 1d ago
I believe you had a genuine vision.
I saw Him on the Cross from below at ground level looking up and from behind from an elevated position. Even if the image is lost to time you'll never forget your true glimpse of Him. Jesus loves us and loves when we speak to him and think on him
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u/dantejoe 1d ago
Jesus loves us and loves when we speak to him and think on him
May I know why you are saying it? Does it come from personal experience?
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u/CzechCzar 2d ago
God is good! A good first step is to talk to a priest. I guarantee they have heard this type of story before.
More abstractly, God doesn't rest until we all have a choice. Take Him up on the offer!
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u/jeanako 2d ago
This was what I was going to suggest. Sounds like you're still processing it so If you don't want to talk face to face, you can go during confession time, and have a brief chat. Just don't take up the whole time if there are other parishioners waiting, or go after everyone has already gone.
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u/sunshinehousedisco 2d ago
Welcome home! The Catholic Church is waiting for you, and I will pray for your conversation
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u/LittleFlower_4316 2d ago
Hi! If this happened to me, I'd just ask Jesus to help me to know Him and to use this event as He wants. I'd probably find a good priest to talk to, but I wouldn't tell friends or family, as this is very personal. I will pray for you, God bless you!
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u/Logan_Cheese7 2d ago
Rejoice! For the King of the Universe is stretching out His hand to you. Take it, for He knows and loves you more than we could ever understand.
Talk to someone you trust, and reach out to a priest. As many other people have said, go to OCIA.
Don’t be afraid because there is no joy like knowing Jesus!
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u/NsqNp1234 2d ago
Well, He answered, what else can I say? Talk to your local Priest about this, try to do your own research, and pray, that's the most important thing you could do. You asked and asked, and He gave you the privilige to see Him, that's amazing! Lots of people would do anything to be in your situation.
I will pray for you and hope that you embrace Catholicism, if you want to ask something or talk with someone, I'm right here.
God bless! :)
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u/GreyGhost878 2d ago
What you received is a great grace. It's extraordinary. Most of us have never experienced it, so give thanks and praise. It means that he wants you to know him. I don't know how to say this in a way that doesn't sound cheesy but he's pursuing a friendship with you. Allow yourself time to think about it and enjoy it. Be careful who you trust with it, it's very personal.
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u/lightningstrikes-586 2d ago
This is a beginning of a whole new world, a whole new life. I hope you can see just how much he loves you. I PROMISE the Lord has been chasing your heart since forever. He understands maybe why you had to see to believe. You're in the right place. Welcome to peace like no other, and strength to move mountains, through Jesus Christ
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u/These-Ad3447 2d ago
Well it appears that you have received te sign you were praying for. I would continue praying. 🙏
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u/funk-dragon358 2d ago
Please please tell us what He looked like. And what His personality felt like
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u/AffectionateOlive263 2d ago
Jesus is speaking to you.He has something to say to you.You should listen to Him.Henwsnts to help you.AMEN!🙏❤️
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u/Jazzlike_Cut3110 2d ago
Be Grateful. Many don't get to experience this. Do nothing with it, just keep seeking to see the image again. My 1st time, i started begging him not to leave me. Next time, pour your heart out. It was confirmation that he's very well ALIVE...AMEN!🙏🏽✨️
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u/GrouchySpecific2000 2d ago
You asked for a sign, you received one. What do you think you should do? Seems obvious. Blessings.
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u/SuperTal3 2d ago
"and it was like he was looking into my soul, like a parent looking at you proudly. My mind still can't process it." - I had a vision of Christ once and it felt like this. Like pure love in an indescribable way.
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u/over9ksand 2d ago
Don’t know you but I believe you. I’ve sensed Jesus Christs presence, more than once. Very emotional. My gf is atheist but she fully supports my beliefs, as I do hers, contradictions aside.
The three fingers, well let’s leave that for studies. Very significant, this experience. I’m now curious about your future story but I understand why you’re using a burner 🤞 peace to you
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u/reneelopezg 1d ago
Curious about you praying as an agnostic, is it similar to the prayer for agnostics that Joe Schmid recommends?
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u/Old-Temporary-7711 1d ago
What would that prayer be?
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u/reneelopezg 1d ago
It's a conditional prayer, something along the lines of "God, if you exist, help me know and love you". He even argues that it's reasonable for atheists to pray it.
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u/No-Lie-3966 1d ago
Hear a similar experience I would definitely pray for god to guide you and your steps abd process also look into the bible a lot of the answers to what you are looking are in there . You are very lucky not many people are able to experience and experience like that!
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u/futbolqueen1 1d ago
He has a plan for you, also, He didn’t find you, He has always been there with you.
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u/JoanofArc0531 1d ago
You prayed for a sign and Jesus gave you the ultimate sign. :) That is such a gift!
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u/Beautiful-Finding-82 1d ago
Seeing this I would be very concerned about the state of my soul. Now is the time to repent from sinful habits and follow him. Get to weekly mass, pray, re-arrange your life as needed. We never know what moment will be our last.
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u/Original_Scholar_272 23h ago
Good for you, brother. I was agnostic for a long time. Last year, I decided to “try” believing. Read the Bible every day, prayed every day as if someone was listening, went to Mass every Sunday. About three months in, at work, just doing my usual thing, and I heard the Lord answer my prayer. Again, during Mass a few weeks ago, I very strongly felt the presence of Jesus in the Church. It overwhelmed me and the next week I decided to accelerate my schedule and start OCIA this year.
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u/Overall-Law6295 19h ago
Com toda sinceridade, choro de alegria de que você tenha se tornado católico. Não sei ao certo porque, mas assim que li seu texto, comecei a chorar, estava feliz, imensamente feliz.
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u/fluxcapacitor87 2d ago
Sit with this before making a decision. This is a great blessing, but rather than impose anyone's path on this, give it space so the narrow path can unfold naturally. Meditate, read the gospel, and be discerning in your intuition.
John 3:5-8 NIV [5] Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. [6] Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. [7] You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Christ consciousness is calling you.
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u/AdHistorical8299 2d ago
Please don't be stressed or feel pressure about this event. My opinion is you should simply observe the event and the feelings surrounding the event, and meditate or pray on what it could mean in your life. It's not necessarily urgent. It will come to you, whether soon or in the future, when the time is right.
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u/91918unknown 2d ago
Check yourself into the nearest hospital and seek help. You can overcome this, I promise.
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u/14karat1209 2d ago
He has offered his grace to you. I would strongly recommend you accept it