The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

In this episode, the hosts explore the meaning of addressing God as our Father in the Our Father prayer and the importance of humility. They discuss the significance of calling God our Father in prayer and the impact of personal and cultural experiences with father figures on our relationship with God. Additionally, they emphasize the need to understand the true nature of God and develop a desire to emulate Him in order to truly know Him as our Father.

The podcast discusses the significance of the Lord's Prayer and emphasizes the importance of understanding God as our good Father. It explores the origins and role of the prayer in Christianity and highlights the transformative power of inner conversion. The chapter also delves into the eschatological nature of the Our Father and the need for patience in awaiting the Lord's return.

Learn about the Lord's Prayer and its importance in personal and communal prayer within the Church. Discover the significance of the Lord's Prayer in liturgical prayer, the Eucharistic Liturgy, and the life of the Church. Explore the transformative power of this prayer and how it enables us to become more like Christ.

Exploring the origins and significance of the Lord's Prayer as the summary of the gospel and guide for a righteous life, focusing on understanding God as our Father and prioritizing our desires. Delving into the historical development and transformative power of the prayer in reshaping our perspective and living a Christian life.

The podcast discusses the battle of prayer and the prayer of Jesus. It emphasizes the active engagement and inseparable connection between prayer and living according to the spirit of Christ. The importance of perseverance, humility, trust, and honesty in prayer is highlighted, using Jesus' prayer in the garden as a model. Trusting in God and surrendering to His will are also explored.

Analyzing the prayer of the Hour of Jesus, the hosts discuss its significance in encompassing creation, salvation, and Jesus' death and resurrection. They explore themes of unity, fulfillment, and freedom in Jesus' prayer and highlight his desire for the Father's glory and eternal life. Jesus' prayer for unity among believers and addressing division within the Church is also reflected upon.

The podcast discusses the effectiveness and importance of prayer in the Christian life, emphasizing the role of prayer in learning the heart of the Father, growing closer to Him, and becoming more like Him. It explores the idea that God includes us in His work and wants us to participate and cooperate with Him. The episode highlights the constant possibility, vital necessity, and inseparability of prayer from the Christian life.

This episode explores the temptations that arise in prayer, such as a lack of faith and acedia. It emphasizes the importance of trust and perseverance in prayer. The concept of trust in prayer is further discussed, including the temptation to complain. The episode also delves into the various images of God that influence our prayer and the significance of praying with a spirit of freedom. Lastly, it explores the concept of praying with a divided heart and emphasizes the importance of trust and surrender in our relationship with God.

Prayer is a battle where we confront our failures and rely on the Holy Spirit's grace. We must battle distractions, dryness, and temptation. Prayer is connected to how we live our lives and debunking misconceptions. Overcoming challenges and dryness in prayer requires humility and perseverance.

Explore the concept of contemplative prayer and its significance as a close sharing between friends and a gift from God. Emphasize the importance of making time for the Lord, surrendering to His loving will, and embracing silence and solitude with confidence and love. Highlight the accessibility of contemplative prayer to everyone and the significance of recognizing and abiding in God's presence. Encourage listeners to embrace silence as a gift and grace in their spiritual journey.