Fr. Mike Schmitz: From Saying Prayers to Praying - Cultivating a Deeper Prayer Life

Episode Overview

David and Adam welcome Father Mike Schmitz to discuss the transformative power of prayer. With humor and candor, they explore the difference between merely saying prayers and truly praying, addressing how to cultivate a prayer life that aligns with God’s will. Drawing from Saint John Chrysostom and Fr. Thomas Dubay, the conversation emphasizes the universal need for prayer, especially for laypeople navigating the challenges of daily life, and offers practical insights for moving from rote recitation to a deeper, relational encounter with God.

Key Discussion Points

• Prayer for All Vocations: Fr. Mike Schmitz challenges the assumption that monks have a deeper prayer life, citing Saint John Chrysostom’s teaching that laypeople need prayer and scripture more than monks due to the “arrows and spears” of daily life—annoying bosses, irritating spouses, and bothersome kids. This resonates as a call for everyone to prioritize prayer, regardless of their state in life.
• From Saying to Praying: The hosts and Fr. Mike discuss the transition from reciting set prayers to engaging in mental prayer (e.g., Ignatian prayer, Lectio Divina). Fr. Mike shares a personal story of a silent retreat where a memorized psalm provided words when his own failed, highlighting the value of rote prayers as a foundation for deeper communion.
• Distractions in Prayer: The conversation addresses the common struggle of distractions, distinguishing between intentional distractions (e.g., checking a phone during prayer) and natural ones that God may use to purify prayer. Adam emphasizes the beauty of “wasting time” with God in contemplative presence, akin to an old couple silently enjoying each other’s company, versus being distracted by external devices.
• Why Prayer Matters: Prayer is an act of faith, rooted in the belief that time spent with God transforms us into the person He calls us to be. Fr. Mike compares prayer’s motivation to health practices like intermittent fasting: if you’re convinced it makes a difference, you’ll commit. Prayer changes us to love like Jesus, even when we feel inadequate.
• Overcoming Apathy and Ignorance: Referencing a humorous anecdote about a coach and player discussing “ignorance and apathy,” Fr. Mike stresses that convincing someone to pray requires sparking a desire to become more like Christ. Without an encounter with Jesus (the kerygma), prayer may seem irrelevant to those who don’t yet care to grow in holiness.
• Practical Advice for Laymen: Fr. Thomas Dubay’s blunt wisdom—“If you’re content being a mediocre dad or mom, don’t pray”—underscores that prayer is essential for excellence in any vocation. Fr. Mike encourages introducing children to mental prayer early, as seen in his summer camp where sixth graders learn Lectio Divina and Ignatian prayer.

Featured Gift

• Catholic Woodworker Rosary: Fr. Mike receives an heirloom-quality rosary from The Catholic Woodworker, featuring handcrafted wood beads built to last. The hosts highlight its durability, even with young children handling it, and promote the official Catholic Man Show rosary.

Spiritual Takeaway

Prayer is not just a checkbox but an act of faith that transforms us into the image of Christ. Whether through memorized prayers that anchor us when words fail or mental prayer that fosters intimate communion, the key is presence with God. Laypeople, facing daily trials, need prayer as much as—if not more than—monks. By committing to prayer, even amidst distractions, we grow in love and align with God’s will for our lives.

Call to Action

• Get a Catholic Woodworker Rosary: Visit catholicwoodworker.com to purchase an heirloom-quality rosary, including the official Catholic Man Show design, perfect for daily prayer.
• Practice Mental Prayer: Start with Lectio Divina or Ignatian prayer to deepen your prayer life. Set aside time daily, even if brief, to be present with God, trusting that it will transform you.