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How to Listen When God Is Speaking: A Guide for Modern-day Catholics
How do we listen to God speak to our hearts, minds, and wills—especially above the noise and stress of the modern world? What is the process of discerning God’s will? Best-selling author and popular EWTN host Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, tackles these and other questions in this comprehensive book on discernment. He says that first we need to believe in God and his moral laws and make a commitment to please him in all that we do. Then we need to pray so that we can experience the peace that can come only from God.
Fr. Pacwa draws from St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, using plenty of everyday examples as well as stories from Scripture to help clarify his points. He encourages readers to develop a rich prayer life and says we can learn to listen to God’s powerful voice and hear him speaking lovingly to us even when we are suffering in some way.
Confronts modern-day assumptions that can prevent us from being open to God’s will for our lives.
Emphasizes the many ways we can develop our prayer life to nourish an authentic relationship with the Lord.
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, is a popular host on the EWTN Catholic television network and founder and president of Ignatius Productions, a Catholic media production apostolate. A respected biblical scholar and speaker, he serves as senior fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is fluent in twelve languages and has led more than fifty pilgrimages to holy sites around the world. He resides in Irondale, Alabama.
“Practical, clear, personable, and scriptural—everything I love about Fr. Mitch Pacwa’s teaching is here. This book is a glimpse into a great man’s heart as he shares the lessons he’s learned from God’s word and the Church as well as from the people he’s known. To read this is to learn and grow closer to God.”
—Scott Hahn, professor of theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville
"In How to Listen When God Is Speaking, Fr. Mitch Pacwa challenges Catholics to embrace their fundamental vocation: to be a listener. In the best of the Ignatian tradition, he teaches us to hear God’s voice—above the noise we encounter each day—and take it to heart. This book is a real gift for our spiritual lives. I recommend it for all readers." —Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York
Fr. Pacwa draws from St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, using plenty of everyday examples as well as stories from Scripture to help clarify his points. He encourages readers to develop a rich prayer life and says we can learn to listen to God’s powerful voice and hear him speaking lovingly to us even when we are suffering in some way.
Confronts modern-day assumptions that can prevent us from being open to God’s will for our lives.
Emphasizes the many ways we can develop our prayer life to nourish an authentic relationship with the Lord.
Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ, is a popular host on the EWTN Catholic television network and founder and president of Ignatius Productions, a Catholic media production apostolate. A respected biblical scholar and speaker, he serves as senior fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. He is fluent in twelve languages and has led more than fifty pilgrimages to holy sites around the world. He resides in Irondale, Alabama.
“Practical, clear, personable, and scriptural—everything I love about Fr. Mitch Pacwa’s teaching is here. This book is a glimpse into a great man’s heart as he shares the lessons he’s learned from God’s word and the Church as well as from the people he’s known. To read this is to learn and grow closer to God.”
—Scott Hahn, professor of theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville
"In How to Listen When God Is Speaking, Fr. Mitch Pacwa challenges Catholics to embrace their fundamental vocation: to be a listener. In the best of the Ignatian tradition, he teaches us to hear God’s voice—above the noise we encounter each day—and take it to heart. This book is a real gift for our spiritual lives. I recommend it for all readers." —Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2011
166 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Mitch Pacwa
29 books62 followersFr. Mitchell "Mitch" Pacwa , S.J., is a Jesuit priest. He is bi-ritual, meaning that he can celebrate liturgy in both the Roman and Maronite rites. He is President and Founder of Ignatius Productions. He has taught at the University of Dallas and Loyola University and is now the Senior Fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.
Fr. Pacwa earned his Ph.D. in Old Testament from Vanderbilt University. He also holds a Master of Divinity and S.T.B. from the Jesuit School of Theology at Loyola University. He is an accomplished linguist speaking several ancient languages, including Latin, Koine Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Ugaritic, as well as the modern languages of German, Spanish, Polish, Hebrew, Arabic, French, and Italian.
Father Pacwa is author of Catholics and the New Age: How Good People Are Being Drawn into Jungian Psychology the Enneagram and the Age of Aquarius (1992), Forgive Me Father for I Am Frustrated: Growing in Your Faith Even When It Isn’t Easy Being Catholic (1997), published by Servant Books. Holy Land Prayer Book (2004) published by Ignatius Productions and co-authored with Sean Brown, Go In Peace: Your Guide to the Purpose and Power of Confession (2007) published by Ascension Press, and Saint Paul: A Study Guide for Catholics (2008) published by Our Sunday Visitor, Saint Paul on the Power of the Cross (2008)
Fr. Pacwa earned his Ph.D. in Old Testament from Vanderbilt University. He also holds a Master of Divinity and S.T.B. from the Jesuit School of Theology at Loyola University. He is an accomplished linguist speaking several ancient languages, including Latin, Koine Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Ugaritic, as well as the modern languages of German, Spanish, Polish, Hebrew, Arabic, French, and Italian.
Father Pacwa is author of Catholics and the New Age: How Good People Are Being Drawn into Jungian Psychology the Enneagram and the Age of Aquarius (1992), Forgive Me Father for I Am Frustrated: Growing in Your Faith Even When It Isn’t Easy Being Catholic (1997), published by Servant Books. Holy Land Prayer Book (2004) published by Ignatius Productions and co-authored with Sean Brown, Go In Peace: Your Guide to the Purpose and Power of Confession (2007) published by Ascension Press, and Saint Paul: A Study Guide for Catholics (2008) published by Our Sunday Visitor, Saint Paul on the Power of the Cross (2008)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 27, 2024
One day, three summers ago, I chanced to hear a broadcast from the irrepressible but levelly wise Jesuit Father Mitch Pacwa on EWTN, which would normally be impossible on Canadian airwaves save through the modern magic of - in my case - iTunes Radio.
It had been an oppressively hot summer as it progressed here in Canada...
And my wife and I sweated bullets, even though all our windows were open.
Dog days indeed.
Our normally more passable evenings were no different, as there was often no breeze.
You see, I needed a new fan for our old furnace - and hence, we had no central air conditioning.
I eventually took that option in the fall, getting an inexpensive unit installed later rather than never. I would sure need it in the polar winter that followed!
I didn’t have the necessary cash outlay for a new furnace.
Our workaround has done an excellent job, in the meantime.
So anyway, there I was, shirtless in the kitchen, with the volume cranked up on iTunes, being blessedly refreshed by Father Mitch’s affable and down-to-earth words of wisdom.
To hear this guy talk on TV, YouTube or radio you’d think he was once front and center in the normally surly crowd of misfits - now Surprised by Grace - who attended the original homily that we now call The Sermon on the Mount.
Like he had a direct hotline to the Almighty.
He does, you know...
We Christians just call it Discernment. Not hearing the words and seeing the actions of God, but Discerning their Meaning.
Not just intuitively (like something "spiritual"), but intellectually - and above all - practically as well. For if we do that, we won't just feel "religious"; we'll see God means to make our life Work for us.
And that’s tough: not just hearing with your body-mind, so unreliable in its habitual one-sidedness, and its affective disorders kindled by too many cozy novels - but your conscience, too.
A sane mind in a functionally healthy body: redolent of Augustine, after the anointing by Fire that was his Confessions.
But the so-called body-mind is nothing without consciously virtuous charity and the concomitant grace which attends upon it.
For if we’re not inspired by grace we may be falsely exalted by what some have called Selfhood - the foundation of Gnosticism - with its concomitant resurrection of the relentless, driving Daemon that makes our work easy and our heart miserable.
Pacwa must have read the works of the great Gnostic critic Iraneus in the seminary library. And Gnosticism is still quite troublesome in our own culture, as we live primarily in virtual realms of exalted ego.
We have to live in tune with our physical selves in a harmonious - yes - body-mind unity, crowned by quiet charity.
That’s something we tend to ignore, striving instead for a functionality in tune with what is, in fact, an unhealthily toxic culture centering on the golden calf of Mammon.
Money is indispensable, but without charity it’s lifeless.
Simply put: we’re repressing our problems. Problems that tend to re-emerge as the physical aporias of psychosomatic illness and unease.
We will never begin to really unwind till we listen with all our heart to our body-mind in a spirit of love. And often sensing the pain of futility in the conviction of a grimy selfhood.
Somewhat like Rumi discerned the solution to life’s problems in Shams’ words, to digress to the life of my fave Mideast Poet (a True Master). For Shams made the young genius see the Original Unity of Himself and his World in his HEART.
And that’s the resurrection power St Paul felt in his bones before his final trip to Rome - and his own crucifixion, which the author of The Golden Legend recounts, was endured in the glaring heat of the Roman midday sun.
Know why it’s so deucedly TOUGH to Discern such things like Father Pacwa?
Cause, for starters, we’re too Devilishly and Cleverly BUSY! Our Busyness is turning us into bodiless Automatons.
Are we being DIVERTED from truth? Who knows...
So. Do you want a friendly tip?
Why not “LISTEN as well as you hear!?”
For once we have time to spare...
We’ll have EARS TO HEAR.
It’s that simple.
And guess what else?
We finally got our new furnace last year, with a top-notch fan, and we're happier.
It had been an oppressively hot summer as it progressed here in Canada...
And my wife and I sweated bullets, even though all our windows were open.
Dog days indeed.
Our normally more passable evenings were no different, as there was often no breeze.
You see, I needed a new fan for our old furnace - and hence, we had no central air conditioning.
I eventually took that option in the fall, getting an inexpensive unit installed later rather than never. I would sure need it in the polar winter that followed!
I didn’t have the necessary cash outlay for a new furnace.
Our workaround has done an excellent job, in the meantime.
So anyway, there I was, shirtless in the kitchen, with the volume cranked up on iTunes, being blessedly refreshed by Father Mitch’s affable and down-to-earth words of wisdom.
To hear this guy talk on TV, YouTube or radio you’d think he was once front and center in the normally surly crowd of misfits - now Surprised by Grace - who attended the original homily that we now call The Sermon on the Mount.
Like he had a direct hotline to the Almighty.
He does, you know...
We Christians just call it Discernment. Not hearing the words and seeing the actions of God, but Discerning their Meaning.
Not just intuitively (like something "spiritual"), but intellectually - and above all - practically as well. For if we do that, we won't just feel "religious"; we'll see God means to make our life Work for us.
And that’s tough: not just hearing with your body-mind, so unreliable in its habitual one-sidedness, and its affective disorders kindled by too many cozy novels - but your conscience, too.
A sane mind in a functionally healthy body: redolent of Augustine, after the anointing by Fire that was his Confessions.
But the so-called body-mind is nothing without consciously virtuous charity and the concomitant grace which attends upon it.
For if we’re not inspired by grace we may be falsely exalted by what some have called Selfhood - the foundation of Gnosticism - with its concomitant resurrection of the relentless, driving Daemon that makes our work easy and our heart miserable.
Pacwa must have read the works of the great Gnostic critic Iraneus in the seminary library. And Gnosticism is still quite troublesome in our own culture, as we live primarily in virtual realms of exalted ego.
We have to live in tune with our physical selves in a harmonious - yes - body-mind unity, crowned by quiet charity.
That’s something we tend to ignore, striving instead for a functionality in tune with what is, in fact, an unhealthily toxic culture centering on the golden calf of Mammon.
Money is indispensable, but without charity it’s lifeless.
Simply put: we’re repressing our problems. Problems that tend to re-emerge as the physical aporias of psychosomatic illness and unease.
We will never begin to really unwind till we listen with all our heart to our body-mind in a spirit of love. And often sensing the pain of futility in the conviction of a grimy selfhood.
Somewhat like Rumi discerned the solution to life’s problems in Shams’ words, to digress to the life of my fave Mideast Poet (a True Master). For Shams made the young genius see the Original Unity of Himself and his World in his HEART.
And that’s the resurrection power St Paul felt in his bones before his final trip to Rome - and his own crucifixion, which the author of The Golden Legend recounts, was endured in the glaring heat of the Roman midday sun.
Know why it’s so deucedly TOUGH to Discern such things like Father Pacwa?
Cause, for starters, we’re too Devilishly and Cleverly BUSY! Our Busyness is turning us into bodiless Automatons.
Are we being DIVERTED from truth? Who knows...
So. Do you want a friendly tip?
Why not “LISTEN as well as you hear!?”
For once we have time to spare...
We’ll have EARS TO HEAR.
It’s that simple.
And guess what else?
We finally got our new furnace last year, with a top-notch fan, and we're happier.
November 17, 2023
I want to tattoo every word of this on my eyeballs.
June 15, 2021
Great guide for modern catholics, for the most part under the light of St. Ignatius.
March 13, 2012
A clear and simple book that goes straight to the heart of prayer: how to prepare for it, how to do it well, and what to expect from it. He writes with a full awareness of the way we live today which makes all he suggests highly relevant, yet his text also has a level of refinement which makes it appeal to a broader audience. Young and old will find his advice a helpful re-working of the classic writings on prayer and discernment. Highly recommended. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
April 17, 2021
Fantastic book on discernment of spirits for the average believer
I have enjoyed many good books and other resources on Ignatian spirituality, in particular about discernment of spirits. But this is probably the most readable and accesible, and at the same time with depth and careful treatment of each topic.
It is full of practical details applicable to the average lay person in daily life.
I would recommend listening/watching at the same time Fr Mitch’s scripture and tradition series in EWTN following the book... unless you are as impatient as I am and go and finish it all much quicker. His down to earth and practical style, together with his sense of humour, are always a blessing.
I have enjoyed many good books and other resources on Ignatian spirituality, in particular about discernment of spirits. But this is probably the most readable and accesible, and at the same time with depth and careful treatment of each topic.
It is full of practical details applicable to the average lay person in daily life.
I would recommend listening/watching at the same time Fr Mitch’s scripture and tradition series in EWTN following the book... unless you are as impatient as I am and go and finish it all much quicker. His down to earth and practical style, together with his sense of humour, are always a blessing.
January 11, 2018
This was a great book to read after a recent retreat focused on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. While the topic might sound dry or fantastical to some, the book has a logical flow with reflection questions at the end of chapters to help the reader get the most of the material. It covers many aspects of Catholic prayer and offers different techniques for prayer and living that help us to “listen” to God. It is a book that I will re-read for sure, and I recommend it to all Catholics and anyone seeking to deepen their prayer life.
March 4, 2023
Not quite sure i feel this was three star. I picked it up hoping for good ideas on how to listen to God but the first couple chapters just preached about why we should be pretty perfect before we can hear God. Well the Jesus i know sat with sinners not the holy men of the day. There were good points here and there about how we can listen to God through scripture, but nothing i havent heard before. Truly one of those books i kept waiting to be done with. Not really any new insights
November 6, 2017
Helpful and enjoyable
This is a book worth buying because I suspect I will want to return to it over and over.
Been stuck in a rut with my prayers and this has been so refreshing. Feels like just reading the book is a prayer in of itself. It offers questions to reflect on at the end of each chapter. Each one would make a good essay if one felt compelled in that direction!
This is a book worth buying because I suspect I will want to return to it over and over.
Been stuck in a rut with my prayers and this has been so refreshing. Feels like just reading the book is a prayer in of itself. It offers questions to reflect on at the end of each chapter. Each one would make a good essay if one felt compelled in that direction!
January 10, 2020
This is a great book. It is easy to read and understand and provides a usable explanation and roadmap for prayer. Praying involves more than talking to God, but includes listening. I had no idea what that meant or how to do that effectively before reading this book. The author writes as well as he speaks in his EWTN television and radio programs. I will definitely read more from Fr. Pacwa.
December 7, 2019
Most wonderful book. Highly recommended.
An excellent book in which Father speaks from his own experience as well as from his excellent knowledge of scripture. This book can be read over and over again. Thanks, Father Pacwa. God bless you.
An excellent book in which Father speaks from his own experience as well as from his excellent knowledge of scripture. This book can be read over and over again. Thanks, Father Pacwa. God bless you.
February 1, 2022
I thought Fr. Pacwa did a great job explaining how we can do our part to hear God. Sometimes God speaks in ways different than we expect to hear him, but with the principles in this book it is possible to find Him and let him find you. Prayer is a wild adventure.
March 18, 2024
This book is easy to read and understand, giving some practical suggestions for meditating, praying, and listening for God. I've already begun implementing some of the ideas into my daily routine. If you're looking to enhance your time talking to God, this book is helpful.
September 10, 2025
Coming into the Catholic faith, this book was a good read and a great resource for extended learning
Very insightful book, I highlighted a lot of passages to study further into my faith. It is a book I highly recommend.
Very insightful book, I highlighted a lot of passages to study further into my faith. It is a book I highly recommend.
November 26, 2017
Book quote:
“God will speak to us in a small still voice, than in a dramatic upheaval of nature.”
“God will speak to us in a small still voice, than in a dramatic upheaval of nature.”
May 18, 2020
This is one of the best spiritual books I have read, full of practical and scriptural advice reinforced by real-life examples.
September 27, 2021
Very relevant guide on how to pray and how to see setbacks as a part of one's vocation.
abandoned-not-for-me
March 16, 2024DNF @ 7%
January 1, 2025
Excellent book on how to listen to God in discerning His will in your life. Easy to read and practical.
September 28, 2025
średnio oceniam, chciałabym dowiedzieć się czegoś więcej w tym temacie
March 6, 2017
A good book outlining many Jesuit techniques to put aside ourselves and to listen to God speaking to our hearts. Fr. Pacwa is always a pleasure to read. A perfect book to start the Lenten period with.
Read
September 9, 2013I began reading this book before but I never had the opportunity to finish it. I think it was interesting so I decided to come back to it for this quarter. I think this book would help me spiritually and will hopefully make me stronger in that part of my life.
August 27, 2015
The book simply discussed how one person discern on life situations.... how to develop his prayer life... how we incorporate scriptures in our meditations...etc... A nice book and a spiritual self help book...
December 15, 2013
Great book. I love Father Mitch and he gives great advice about prayer and listening to God. These are practical things that can be used by anyone. It is written in layman's terms.
January 30, 2014
Read it at the same time as Consoling the Heart of Jesus and thought they really fed off of each other. Loved them both!
June 10, 2017
The author puts together a good guide on prayer techniques although most of the techniques he promotes were developed by other people. Decent summary.
December 28, 2014
Actually 173 pages not 48.
March 22, 2015
Straightforward, helpful, and prayerful advise for discerning God's movement in your life.
February 23, 2015
WOW!
Super Powerful and a Must Read. I mean, Right Now! Fr Mitch at his best Not just for Catholics but anyone who has a true desire and need for prayer
Super Powerful and a Must Read. I mean, Right Now! Fr Mitch at his best Not just for Catholics but anyone who has a true desire and need for prayer
October 6, 2020
Excellent book! Father Pacwas is my go to theologian!!!! Every time I read one of his books or listen to a webinar I come away taught!
December 28, 2018
I thought that this was a good book, but I didn't feel like I learned anything new from it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews