Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2024)
Nov 23, 2024
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Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, shares her journey of faith and insights on deepening prayer. She discusses the transformative power of prayer, urging listeners to overcome misconceptions and recognize their rightful relationship with God. The conversation highlights the importance of honesty in prayer and relationships, as well as embracing love and mercy. Listeners are encouraged to engage in contemplative prayer, deepening their connection with God and fostering authenticity in their spiritual lives.
Prayer is a transformative relationship with God that shifts our perception from obligation to opportunity for connection.
Sister Miriam's personal faith journey illustrates the significance of seeking a heart-centered relationship with God through love and vulnerability.
Acknowledging and confronting obstacles to prayer, like unworthiness and frustration, is essential for personal growth and deeper intimacy with God.
Deep dives
Introduction to the Final Pillar
The fourth and final pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church focuses on the vital role of prayer in the life of faith. During the episode, it is emphasized that prayer is more than just a duty; it is a transformative relationship with God. The discussion highlights how prayer is not merely a task to complete but an essential expression of our identity as children of God. Understanding this transformative nature of prayer helps to shift the perception of it from obligation to opportunity.
Sister Miriam's Journey of Faith
Sister Miriam James Heidland shares her personal faith journey, highlighting the impactful relationship she developed with God over the years. Initially raised in a tradition steeped in fear, she found her calling through a personal encounter with Jesus, which inspired her to enter religious life. Her testimony illustrates the importance of seeking a heart-centered relationship with God, which aligns with the messages of love and vulnerability discussed in the episode. This journey underscores the key theme of understanding faith as a dynamic and transformative experience.
The Nature of Prayer
The episode delves into the nature of prayer, explaining that it is a response to God's initiative rather than a mere obligation. Sister Miriam emphasizes that prayer must be rooted in relationship, highlighting that it is about a deep connection with God rather than a transactional experience. This perspective encourages listeners to view prayer as a continual dialogue, where they constantly respond to God’s love and presence in their lives. The importance of acknowledging prayer as both a gift of grace and an act requiring individual effort is also discussed.
Obstacles to Prayer
Listeners are introduced to various obstacles that many face when it comes to prayer, such as feelings of unworthiness, busyness, and frustration. St. Therese's reminder that prayer is a simple act of heart-to-heart communication is key to overcoming these barriers. The dialogue stresses that these challenges do not disqualify anyone from the life of prayer; rather, they are part of the journey toward deeper intimacy with God. Acknowledging and confronting these struggles is presented as crucial for personal growth and a stronger relationship with the divine.
The Importance of Contemplative Prayer
The episode emphasizes the value of contemplative prayer, pointing out that it provides a unique opportunity for personal intimacy with God away from distractions. It is shared that contemplative prayer allows individuals to experience a loving gaze from God that affirms their identity as His beloved children. This practice fosters a transformative understanding of love, moving beyond superficial engagement with faith into a more profound and enriching practice. By inviting God into the depths of our hearts, this form of prayer serves as a path toward healing and renewal, ultimately transforming how one approaches both God and life.
In this fourth and final pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn how to take everything we’ve absorbed this year and apply it to our relationship with God through prayer. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about how to pray, some common obstacles to prayer, and some of the incredible fruits of prayer that await us if we put the next thirty-seven days of guidance into action.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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