The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 352: Summary of The Battle of Prayer (2025)
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Dec 18, 2025 Fr. Mike delves into the active battle of prayer, emphasizing that engaging in prayer is vital for spiritual growth. He creatively compares prayer to swimming, illustrating the varying levels of effort needed. Key challenges like distractions and dryness are discussed, along with the importance of trusting God to receive both blessings and trials. A deep dive into Jesus' heartfelt prayer in Gethsemane models humility and honesty, showcasing the essence of sincere communication with the Father.
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Prayer Is Active Engagement
- Prayer requires active effort because our will and attention are weak and easily distracted.
- Fr. Mike Schmitz compares prayer to swimming: grace is the water but we must engage it to move.
Struggling Through My First Holy Hour
- Fr. Mike recounts trying a weekly holy hour in high school and finding minutes felt like hours.
- He learned that distractions and dryness are normal and not a sign of failure.
Engage Intentionally In Prayer
- Engage with God's grace intentionally in prayer like you engage with water when swimming.
- When prayer feels dry, increase engagement rather than expecting passive ease.