Religion Q & A – Feeling a Presence

Anonymous asks: Sometimes when I am sitting down or standing, I can feel a presence. Sometimes, I even hear ruffles & other noises. I feel startled & I always turn around. What should I do to stop feeling like this?

Answer: There can be practical, obvious reasons for the noises, like a gust of wind or sometimes your own imagination. I remember times when my brother and sister would get so scared to go into my mom’s room because the door would slam shut by itself, but they didn’t realize that her window was left open and the breeze passing through was the actual cause.

However, if you know for sure that these noises are happening regularly without an apparent cause, then I would suggest saying a prayer, like the Hail Mary, and you should feel the peace return as the fear leaves you. If the presence you are experiencing is the soul of someone who has passed away, God is allowing that person to get your attention…usually this happens so you can pray for the soul as he/she passes through purgatory into Heaven.

If you feel a bad presence, then it would help not only to pray but also to bless your room/home with holy water or even have a priest come to bless your house if it has not been blessed yet. Bottom line is it’s important to know that you don’t have to be afraid…your guardian angel is always with you to protect and guide you. When you remember that God governs all things and has power over everything in Heaven and on earth, you’ll be able to go about your days (and nights) confident in His care.