Honestly…I think you heard him, and that is why you are talking back through your prayers. Jesus didn't start a Church you know. He walked out among the people and delivered his message. It's a direct connect…you never needed a middle man to have a conversation with God.
I've heard many others say the same thing. Unfortunately, it makes it hard not to throw the baby Jesus out with the bathwater when events caused by humans give the impression it's all one and the same.
Nice to hear how the heavens have opened up for you so to speak. Trust in that heart of yours, it sounds like a wise one.