The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) (2025)
24 snips
Nov 24, 2025 
Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a religious sister and retreat leader, shares her journey from a Catholic upbringing to a life dedicated to prayer. The discussion highlights prayer as a relational experience rather than mere performance. They explore common obstacles, like shame and distractions, while emphasizing the importance of solitude and silence. The power of contemplative prayer for intimacy with God is examined, along with Jesus's teachings on authentic prayer. Sr. Miriam encourages listeners to embrace God’s love and deepen their connection through heartfelt prayer.
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From Volleyball To Vocational Call
- Sr. Miriam James describes switching from a college sports/media track to responding to Jesus' call during a mission.
- That conversion led her to 25 years in religious life and ministry focused on healing and prayer.
Prayer Is A Response, Not A Task
- Prayer is the human response to God's initiative and reveals a lifelong relationship rather than a task to complete.
- Sr. Miriam James emphasizes prayer as our means of union with God, rooted in covenantal love.
Desire To Pray Is A Gift
- God initiates every movement of prayer, so our longing to pray itself is a gift from Him.
- Recognizing this relieves pressure and invites us to rest in God's sovereign love rather than self-reliance.
