Divine Initiative in Spiritual Dialogue
In the discussion of who controls the process of communication with God – the person or God – sources confirm that the guiding initiative lies in God's call, which precedes the human response. The essence of personal communication with God does not lie so much in the independent effort of man as in the fact that God initiates and sets the pace for this process. The person, undoubtedly, enters into dialogue, responding responsibly to the call; however, the primary impulse comes from God.For example, one source emphasizes: "God's call precedes us. It is this call that hypostasizes the personal otherness of each one of us and our intellectual capacity so that we can enter into a relationship with God and know Him." (source: link txt)Furthermore, an important role is played by the moment when a person feels the presence of God, after which active communication begins: "There comes a moment in a person's life when he feels the presence of God, senses His love with his heart. Then he begins to talk to Him, that is, to pray. From the depths of his heart he will be able to say, 'Lord, let us live together!' And then the Lord gives him the gift of a pure word." (source: link txt)Thus, in personal communication with God it is not assumed that the person entirely controls the dialogue. His task is to open himself and respond to the divine call, while the initiative originates from God, who, with His presence and love, guides the person on the path of spiritual growth.