Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland)
Nov 24, 2023
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Guest: Sr. Miriam James Heidland, Catholic sister sharing insights on prayer and its benefits. The speakers discuss the power and beauty of prayer, the importance of the heart in Catholic prayer, overcoming obstacles to prayer, the power of naming and bringing our experiences to God, the pillar of prayer and the heroic love of Christ, and Jesus' teachings on relationships and the Father's love.
Contemplative prayer deepens the bond between believers and God, going beyond rational understanding.
Prayer should be a sincere desire to encounter and grow closer to God, initiated by His grace.
Contemplative prayer allows believers to experience profound awareness of being loved by God.
Deep dives
The Importance of Prayer in the Catholic Faith
Prayer is a vital aspect of the Catholic faith, rooted in the relationship between believers and God. Contemplative prayer, as described by St. Teresa of Avila, is a close sharing between friends, where believers frequently take time to be alone with God, knowing His love for them. This type of prayer seeks a deepening relationship with Jesus, and its purpose is not just to perform an act, but to foster a genuine connection. The catechism emphasizes that God is the initiator of prayer and that believers respond to His love. The heart, viewed as the core of human beings, plays a crucial role in prayer, going beyond rational understanding and allowing individuals to choose life or death. Contemplative prayer is highlighted as a pinnacle form of prayer, facilitating a gaze of faith upon Jesus and deepening the bond between the believer and God.
Desiring a Relationship with God through Prayer
The fourth pillar of the catechism focuses on prayer as an essential element of the Christian life. The catechism reminds believers that prayer should not be reduced to a mere task or obligation, but rather a sincere desire to encounter and grow closer to God. The section highlights how prayer is not solely based on human effort, but on the initiation of God's grace. Seeking God and desiring a relationship with Him are considered the fundamental beginnings of love. Genuine prayer springing from the heart allows individuals to enter into profound union with the Lord, experiencing the freedom that comes with being fully loved and accepted by Him. This pillar emphasizes the importance of continually starting anew in prayer, trusting in God's mercy and grace to bring transformation and growth.
Contemplation as a profound form of prayer
The catechism discusses the significance of contemplative prayer in nurturing a deep connection with God. Described as a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, this form of prayer invites believers to spend quiet, intimate moments alone with the Lord. Contemplation is portrayed as a gift that grants access to the depths of the heart, enabling individuals to hear the whispers of God and receive unique revelations from Him. Through contemplative prayer, believers can experience a profound awareness of being loved by God and engage in a relationship that goes beyond utility or usefulness. This type of prayer is not focused on achieving specific outcomes but rather on simply being present with God, gazing upon His face, and allowing His love to permeate every aspect of their lives.
The Importance of Solitude and Connection
Finding solitude and connection with the Lord is crucial for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. In today's culture, both solitude and genuine connection are often lacking. Engaging in moments of solitude allows individuals to rediscover their true identity and the grace of their covenant with God. It is essential to recognize the need for both solitude and connection to cultivate a deeper union with Jesus.
Overcoming Obstacles to Prayer
Many people struggle with obstacles to prayer, often under the illusion that prayer and holiness are not meant for them. This misconception leads to a lack of understanding of the universal call to holiness and the significance of dedicating time for prayer. Disqualification, lack of time, not knowing how to pray, and feelings of shame can hinder individuals from embracing prayer fully. However, it is important to acknowledge that prayer always requires effort and to trust in the Father's love and desire to spend time with us.
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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