Do miracles actually happen in retreat centers? Does God fulfill whatever we ask of him?

Miracles still happen. They are likely wherever the lordship of Jesus is proclaimed, and the word of God is preached, be it on the streets, churches or in a retreat centre.

The scriptures confirm the same:
And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following Mark 16:20. 

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Heb 2:4

Does God fulfil whatever you ask him? He will, if we ask according to his will. The scripture says: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

Does it happen the way we want it? Not necessarily. It is because God knows best. He alone knows what is good for us, not just as an individual but also as a family or a community. He knows what is best for us as a society and as an individual. Sometimes the answer is immediate, sometimes after much waiting, and sometimes there is silence.

Should stop asking? No. Keep asking God whatever you need. The scripture says: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Mathew 7:7-8

Ask like a child to the father. Then leave the decision to Him. Be willing to accept whatever the answer might be, as a child who trusts the father.

Remember, silence is also an answer. It means the answer is either a ‘no’ or that you need to wait. But such denials are not strange to us because our parents have also denied the very things we thought were desirable. They do this out of their love for us, willing the best for us. 

Now, when it comes to making decisions and choices in life, we also need to employ our intellect and will. Our prayer should be that our intellect and will is aligned to the will of God.

How do we know if our desires are the will of God? Check if the ideas that form the basis of your desire is ‘Truth’. Wrong knowledge leads to wrong desire. Check what you are desiring is good for you and is according to the word of God, the teachings of the Church and according to the moral and natural law. Discern if this desire will draw you closer to God or lead you away from God. Check if there is any selfishness? Check if this will cause any damage to someone else or something else? Check if you are sincerely willing the greater good of the other?

We must learn to ask the right things, the things that help us to become another Christ. God wants us to desire the heavenly treasures not the temporary earthly goods of little worth. Now with regards to your genuine earthly needs have no doubt, as a good father, God is more concerned than we are about about the things we need. Remember Jesus asks in Mathew 6:25 why do you worry about what to eat and what to drink? then he says in 6:33: Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added to you. You are a child of God. Trust the goodness your father in heaven, have the confidence to ask for the miracle you want – not in your terms but in His terms.

And as an end note, why do we see miracles in retreat centres? It is because there is the proclamation of the word of God, sincere repentance, and an atmosphere of earnest prayer. When we do the right things, the right way, we become children capable of receiving God’s blessings, providence and protection – even miracles.

If you have further questions on this, please let us know. We will be happy to answer.