Can he hear us?

We don't need anyone to intercede between ourself and God. The system of confessing to a priest was set up by mankind (the priestcraft) for control of the masses. Sincere expression is always "heard" by God.

In the book of Genesis in the 16th chapter, Hagar (Abraham's wife's slave) was Egyptian and believed in many gods. God saw her distress when Sarah had her sent away. He appeared to her and spoke to her. She called him "The God Who Sees Me." God himself named the child she was pregnant with "Ishmael" which means "God Hears". If He is the God Who Changes Not, He still hears and sees us.

In Revelation it says there are bowls of incense which hold the prayers of the saints. "The saints" in this verse means all those who have received Jesus as their savior and Lord. These scriptures tell me that He does and always has heard and seen me.

In Psalm 139, the scriptures say that He knew us before any of our days came to be. I have learned to believe in His presence at all times, even when I can't feel Him. Especially when I can't feel Him.

The Protestant faith teaches that we need to confess our sins. This can be done just between God and you, and also can be done between you and a trusted believer. I do not believe that confession to a priest is wrong, even though I am Protestant. However, if you have a sin for which private confession has not been effect in a change, you might have a real need to have it brought out "into the light" by telling it to someone you can trust. A priest, or pastor for that matter, has heard it all. They are less likely to judge you and are trained to help. However, not all of them are trustworthy or capable of not judging you. This is a call you must make for yourself.

I would like to add my own comment. Some people say that God does not hear the prayers of non-Christians. If this was true, how would anyone every get saved, since no one is a Christian until they receive Christ? Also, the story of Hagar and Ishmael would seem to prove that statement false.

I agree. I don't put my faith in man. Priests and the pope sins. I don't care what people say. They are men. I am baptist and I talk to god all the time. Maybe you should try another religion like baptists. We pray to Jesus not some man behind a curtain or whatever. If that was the case, there would have been no reason for Jesus to die

I'll take that one step further, why even tell and ask God, does he not know our every thought, our very heart?

Quite frankly, ever since people have exulted themselves to positions of spiritual leadership, followers have been more than willing to follow. People would then insist upon confession because it made them feel better, validation so to speak.

It's nice to hear someone say "Your sins are forgiven". But ask this question to a priest and they will more than likely agree with you, take it to God, it's ok.

You do not have to go to confession to confess your sins. You do not even have to open your mouth. God hears your thoughts just as well. I guess you could say the priest is a cheer leader for God. If he can get people to come to God more power to him.

Exactly!!!

You have hit the nail on the head!!!!

Not only that, but we don't need priests to teach us anything either, because whenever 2 or more of us gather in Jesus' name, He is there, so we can train ourselves to shut up and listen to Him, and He can teach us much more effectively than any man, particularly any man trained by other men, could ever hope to begin to be able to,

The reason why the priests hear sins is because they like to know what is going on in the community so they can take care of it. I really don't think it has anything to do with acually talking to god.

The Bible states that all of those who are believers in Christ are priests and priestesses to Him. You don't need to go to a priest to be absolved of sin. All you need to do is talk to God.

But then don't ask me, that is just what the Bible says.

The Catholics are taught that you need a priest as a go-between. Personally I think those teachings are just to keep the parishioners in line. They'll do what the priest says and give all their money to the church.

agree...

but we are to go through Jesus, he is our mediator.

I don't know why anyone would tell their confession to anyone other than Jesus, since the Bible tells us that he is our high priest.

God does hear you when yo pray, he always listens.