Words, vision, or sense that we sometimes pick up from times of prayer can come from God, ourselves or the devil. A safe way to always keep in mind is not to react to it immediately, but proceed with a few considerations.

1. Is there any truth in it? Some messages give you a lot of good feelings but it’s all air and no substance. Don’t focus on the fluff. Conversely, sometimes harsh or difficult messages may seem evil, but one or two elements of it may be right on. Focus on the truth and ask God to speak on that.
2. When a message is ambiguous or seems without a purpose, e.g., just seeing a flash of light, ask God that if it is from Him, please reveal more.
3. If nothing more comes out of it, and it was in general something peaceful and positive, take it as a little smile from God and thank Him.
4. If there seems to be a message, write it down. Once a month or so, read through your journal of these records and see if there is a pattern.
5. If there is a consistent pattern, and the message seems important, look for confirming words or signs from another person or nature. Also, check to see if the message is conformable to the Church’s teachings.
6. If God has something important to tell you, He will tell you more than once, He will tell you also through others and through creation, and He would never contradict Himself, namely His scriptures and His Church.