4 Keys to Good Prayer

Does good prayer feel out of reach for you? Do distractions plague you unceasingly? Are you wondering if you're supposed to be getting more out of prayer time?
Fr. Mike proposes a simple 4-part roadmap to better, more fulfilling prayer time. It's not difficult-it just takes practice.
❓ Have ideas for future videos ❓ Topics you want to hear about ❓ Questions you want answered ❓ Make sure to put #AskAscension in your comment 👍
- MORE FROM ASCENSION -
🔸Ascension App: link.ascension-app.com/lMuydd...
🔸The Great Adventure Bible: tinyurl.com/y6lfxzyt
🔸 Catechism of the Catholic Church, Ascension Edition: tinyurl.com/25nskztb
- SOCIAL MEDIA -
🔸Facebook: / ascensionpress
🔸Twitter: / ascensionpress
🔸LinkedIn: / ascension-press
🔸Instagram: / ascensionpress
🔸Subscribe: @AscensionPresents
- BULLDOG CATHOLIC -
🔸KZbin: / @bulldogcatholic
🔸iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
6366228481

[@alphacause]

Fr. Mike's words are needed more than ever, for no generation in the history of humanity is as bombarded by distractions as we are. I know, speaking from personal experience, that my attention is constantly diverted, even when attempting something as small as 10 minutes of prayer. My focus is besieged by fantasies and thoughts unrelated to what I am praying about. Lord help me to be more attentive and present when I speak to you!

[@NTNG13]

Praying the rosary consciously helps a lot by keeping the mind occupied in praying the Hail Mary's, counting the beads and meditating on the miracles. I used to hate it as a kid but now as a distracted adult it has been comforting for my mind, it's a gentle way of not allowing the mind to wander.

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you and is with you

[@hrabmv]

the best prayers are when you find out what you did not know, or what you should do......not saying a prayer just to put it on the "done" list

[@kathyzurzolomyers7932]

Is Fr. Mike not just the Best Bleessing in your life. We are so lucky t have him I'm on day 308 biy amen

[@garfieldbraithwaite8590]

Thank you Father, you and the Bible in a Year were instrumental in my decision to be Confirmed a Catholic at the Easter Vigil. I feel that I have come home. God bless you and your Ministry from the UK

[@wms72]

Welcome home to the family of God ❤

[@shatter_point]

May God continue to bless you

[@pinehawk9600]

✝️❤️‍🔥

[@nanarodriguez1854]

Congratulations! ❤🙏 Welcome Home! ❤️

[@marthamay2843]

Welcome home!! ❤

[@IONov990]

That's hard. I almost always have multiple tabs open when I'm doing anything online. I usually clean if I am praying the rosary or doing daily mass via screen (TV or laptop). During this 8-minute video, I sent an email, completed some grading, and sent a text message. I tried that one suggestion Fr. Mike years ago about spending one hour in silence by myself. I started CRYING. I saw it was a "waste of time," but then I realized how much time I wasted scrolling through social media or watching a TV show. It is interesting what we consider a "waste of time." I envy quiet, private people who do not use social media and do not endlessly yap on the phone or with friends. Solitary, independent people are admirable.

[@friedawells6860]

I agree but I think we should separate genuine connection from distraction. Prayer with the Lord in silence, calling a friend, sharing a meal with someone. These are all really good things. Sometime you might have people your life where the conversation is profane and distracting, but in general connection is important. On the other hand you have distraction: TV, social media, the news. There is no connection, it is just taking your time and attention. At least for myself I want a life with more genuine connection and less distraction, but I don't want to be solitary and independent. I think that is also an empty life.

[@dymoure]

Just sat down and prayed one of the best prayers I’ve prayed in a while thanks to this video. 😊 Hope you all have a great rest of your day, and an even better tomorrow. Peace on Earth can start with you, I know that, especially if you’re watching this video. Sending lots of love to every reader reading this. You got this!

[@aisling6564]

I struggle with prayer a lot so this was well timed. Just last night I sat down and lit a blessed beeswax candle I had leftover from Easter and placed it before the image of divine mercy and in the dark just allowed the peace of the moment to be. The hallow app really comes into its own when you don't know how to pray, I opened up the daily peace in silence and played it and I just went to a whole other level of intimacy. I found myself weeping by the end of it because I just wanted to stay there. So I did 😊 just me and Jesus together in a blissful embrace. I ordered a whole new box of candles cause I plan on doing this every night. ❤

[@priscilacandal151]

Will you share where you get your candles? I have been looking

[@feliciagallo9832]

Just beautiful. 🙏🏼✝️

[@jesusworksbro4Life]

Jesus loves you and is with you

[@aisling6564]

@@priscilacandal151 I'm in Ireland so I get mine from Corrib Candles. I'm sure they would ship internationally if you want to check although I couldn't tell you what postage would be like :)

[@karenyoungers6457]

That was beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I show up every day, but constant distractions make it a struggle. Your story is inspiring.

[@R_Thomp]

Father, you're a GREAT priest, and you're making a difference. You're doing God's work. Thank God we have you.

[@robinpalaima8500]

Oh my gosh..I can relate because I have ADHD and my mind wonders and I have to start my prayers again! ❤🙏

[@pinkpaprika8410]

From a fellow ADHDer: You don‘t have to start all over again, just pick up at where you got distracted (as you best remember) and go on. If you want to say the rosary but keep getting fidgety, go for a walk and say it while walking. I‘ve found it‘s not just me, I have many friends who do so too.

[@robinpalaima8500]

@@pinkpaprika8410 Thank you!

[@deussacracommunioest2108]

Stop making idols of your indiscipline and vices. Nobody cares about them and neither should you. May God liberate you from such an irresponsible and mundane spirit, as from everyone that pretend to care about you by just drugging you and nodding to all your sick excuses for money.

[@jamie4843]

I do the same ... every time I realize my adhd distracted me I just say, "TaDa!" to enjoy the magic of adhd and the joy it brings lol 😆 and then pick up where I left off 🙃 😅 🙏❤️

[@jamesdonahue4084]

Oh,yeah, with you on that one. Also why I don't do my own taxes,but managed to jamb the accountant anyhow.🤨

[@ffemto4]

I’m constantly distracted during prayers, especially during my morning rosary. I try to redirect myself when I realize it, but I’m so frustrated because I can’t focus for 15 minutes…. It reminds me of Christ saying, “could you not watch with me for an hour?” To the disciples in the garden. And I always feel like I’ve let Him, Mary, my guardian angel, etc. down because I can’t stay focused for that small amount of time.

[@timothywheeler8968]

My friend, God knows our minds are weak. He knows that our minds will wonder but I promise He is so happy to hear your prayer even if you get distracted.

[@lindavidamia8199]

I'm here and this is exactly what I noticed yesterday . I'm on day 35 on Hallow and I was distracted and thought well im not paying attention so returned it to start over and pay attention. My resolutions was to get closer to God so I have to be in it right. But im trying.

[@carolzappa1804]

Gosh, YOU ARE SUCH A GREAT TEACHER Fr. Schmidts ! I mean that! So relatable ! Finger right on the pulse of SO many aspects of our lives. You are absolutely helping to transform people, and change the world for the better. God Love You. 🙏🕊❤✝️👑🙏🌹

[@kiy0ri]

This is awesome! I am literally just a few hours away from teaching about prayer in an Adult Confirmation class. I will definitely add these helpful points about praying well in my presentation! Thank you, Fr. Mike!

[@acevers]

Interruption can be an issue. My little Granddaughters sometimes interrupt but sometimes they join me. What a Blessing.

[@juliekaszubowski7523]

I was talking to the priest in confession about my Liturgy Prayer and being distracted. He likened it to his own and said something like, yeah you read through the psalm and afterwards think, "What did I just read." It helped me not to feel so badly about my own faults with it. Thank you for sharing our human condition.😇

[@sandykelley7431]

When I wander off I feel guilty. When ai start a prayer before bed and fall asleep I feel more guilty. Neither one usually on purpose.

[@ricoflash6269]

YES! Falling asleep before I've finished praying makes me feel so guilty. I usually like to close my eyes during evening prayer but maybe I shouldn't until I'm done 😭😭

[@kt5137]

You Father Mike really nurture like a father. I appreciate the realness.

[@wonderwoman6232]

I am doing The Bible in a Year now. I am on day 167. It has been a struggle. Part of my problem is that my mind tends to wander while I am listening to you, Father Mike. I have had this issue all my life. I am 62, and it seems to be getting worse. I love how you explain each day. I will probably have to do BiaY several times, as I am having difficulty remembering it. Frustrating, but you are comforting. I can't remember prayers, so I usually just have a conversation with God. You have helped me decide to go back to church. Thank you.❤

[@julieCA58]

My parish recently built an adoration chapel. It is SO what I needed, because I am going through a phase where my brain goes all over the place. But if I place myself in front of the blessed sacrament, I shut up, and be quiet and let God guide me. I highly recommend this to any parish that can afford it. Chapel is always at least half full. And sometimes, Christ's presence is all you need.

[@grespinosa]

my parish chapel often had people praying out loud or singing out loud - sometimes I wondered if I was actually at a tent revival!! It frustrated me no end and I'd complain about it bitterly in my prayers. Eventually the priest started admonishing the congregation after mass to be quiet in adoration - it's better now, thankfully. 😅

[@julieCA58]

@@grespinosa i'm glad it's quieter for you. That IS important. Though, I have to confess to hoping for the day when no one else shows up, so i can sing. But not when others aee around. That silence is crucial.

[@M75947]

I never know if I’m praying the right way. I needed to hear this.

[@ElizabethSampson]

Distraction is a huge problem for me during prayer time. This was very helpful!

[@wms72]

I always like Fr Mike's videos before I listen, and I've never had to unlike afterwards. He makes good prayer sound easy.

[@melanyfernandes3566]

Thank you Jesus

[@paschalokenyi2616]

This is great father

[@yb5515]

I get so mad at myself when my mind wonders during a sermon. I want to ask Fr. to start over. At least when I watch the daily mass on the internet I can replay the sermon as many times as I need to really hear and take in the deep meanings of a sermon.

[@IONov990]

Have you ever experienced impure thoughts during mass? Honestly, I usually open the missal book at mass and read it line by line. Mass can easily become autopilot.

[@yb5515]

@@IONov990 I suspect impure thoughts are the darts thrown by evil ones. My thoughts are usually more mundane like: did I lock the door, do I need to stop at grocery store on the way home etc. etc.

[@ServingKnights]

This was an awesome video. Prayer is very important and especially during Mass this can come in handy.

[@PEFitness]

Your explanations and enthusiastic heart felt delivery not only make concepts so much easier to comprehend but you make them exciting and enjoyable. I pray that you are aware of the huge positive impact you have on so many Father Mike! You truly are doing God’s work!

[@dmomnashnash8546]

Father Mike I pray you read this! Your videos bring me so much comfort I’m an Australian Anglican special needs mom but I’m leaning Catholic - anyway this is the little stuff ….. the big stuff- My son is autistic with liver failure please pray for him. I’m feeling so lost as a mom. I’m gutted and full of grief but this is not the best thing for him. I’m here for strength Thank you so much for your videos ❤

[@caro1ns]

The suggestion that you write down one thing that you want to take from your morning prayer is a good one. One other thing I do when I'm distracted in prayer, especially during the rosary, is to dedicate the next Hail Mary to the person who was there in the distraction (there's always a person there). Even if it was some random person I saw in the cafe that morning, I dedicate the next Hail Mary to them, and then move on.

[@teresa.tells.it.like.it.is.2]

Father, I like that you try to smile, or at least have a happy face, when you present your topics. It helps to see that God is Good - He is trying to reach us through joy. But if you don't feel joyful every single time you record a video, I understand 😊 🛡️🕯️🛡️ 🕊️🕯️🕊️

[@jecsanrodriguez4877]

I usually pray at night to thank God about the day but I think I will also need to start waking up 30 min earlier to pray in the morning aswell. I definitely need it.

[@carmenroa2181]

Wow father thank you

[@kerryfaden94]

This is really good!! I have been feeling really unable to reach God Prayer is both of us- I feel less alone I can carry it with me Thanks! Ascension Community at home

[@billoyler8041]

I find myself habitually saying the same prayers every night and my mind often wonders at times. My prayers were really focused my sisters (51 years old) well being after being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer 4 1/2 years ago. She passed the first part of last month and still stumble during prayer asking God for healing her. Have to go back and ask Our Father to please give my sister eternal life, happiness and peace. Such a difficult thing to deal with being my only sibling and having a small but close family.

[@GeorgiaPeach2024]

I'm so sorry for your loss of your beloved sister! Sadly, as we age, we tend to lose those we are closest to...parents, siblings, spouses. What makes it bearable is the knowledge that, as Believers, we will see them again! I am old now and have sadly lost most of my family and friends. But the thought of seeing them again in heaven is what keeps me going!

[@billoyler8041]

@@GeorgiaPeach2024thank you

[@DavidelCientificoLoco]

Sorry for your loss may your sister have eternal life with our heavenly father, God bless you brother/sister in Christ, may you have an exalent day

[@emperorzombie1420]

I have serious ADHD. Praying can be a slog and it’s often very discouraging. I always show up though. If ever I’m dreading my prayer time because I know I’m going to have a hard time, I’ll just go to the place I pray and steal a quick one. Often I find that it helps. Like there’s no obligation here so I can just pray whatever is in my heart at that moment or that day. Saints be with us in our prayer!

[@user-km4ro7xp2s]

For me, prayer time is all the time. I knew a priest who was in my life for 13 years. He was a very Fatherly person. At Adoration, he would sometimes tell us, his parish, that sometimes praying is as simple as letting God give you rest with Him. Thanks, Father Mike.

[@suehughes7148]

Father, you make the complex, understandable for nearly all ages,esapecially my newly Catholic friend!

[@ruthortega5822]

Thank you Father Mike for this session on prayer. I feel bad sometimes when my mind is full of all things rather than prayer when I am praying. I ask the Holy Spirit to be with be at prayer and teach me how to pray in faith.

[@deesharp7677]

When I get distracted during prayer, I ask my Savior to keep me in this moment. I might have to say that a lot during the time but amazingly, it refocuses me and I thank my Savior for bringing me back.

[@irismckay6472]

This was helpful, Fr. Mike. Showing up and being gentle with ourselves is so needed.

[@mtwohawks]

I'm finding that I'm not distracted... thinking about other things... but like Fr Mike says... I go completely blank. I mean, almost to entering the void. Like an 'Om', I find I will repeat, "Please don't let go, please don't let go, please..." and I weep. I'm "renewed" on my path back to the Lord... but right now.. it's all incan seem to manage.

[@aliciagomez2817]

I’ve more recently learned to thank my Guardian Angel for bringing me back and to focus and immediately say a Glory Be or a Hail Mary in praise to God the Father for giving me a Guardian Angel and it seems the more I do that the more focused I can become and why I’m there.

[@kikijoseph3360]

My main prayers these days is not to give up on my faith because during hard time in life it’s very hard to stay focus. Yours prayers for me would be most appreciated 🙏

[@JenniferLudwig156]

Thank you for all your spiritual guidance. I am disabled and can only get to church on special occasions. I need a spiritual director and have found these videos helpful so thank you ❤

[@katherine4283]

I’m glad when I get through prayer without falling asleep; Remember I am up at 4 am everyday and I’m trying to do to much

[@believewithyourheart5627]

In adoration yesterday... I felt I never wanted to be anywhere else, except at the feet of Jesus! Then I got some inspiration about researching churches in the UK.... and I was was motivated to get up.... mmmm, it may have been a distraction!! 🙏🙏 it may have been from the Lord... I just don’t know... but those moments in His presence were more precious than I can describe 🤗

[@JustMamo]

Praise the Lord! Thank you Father for these words. I've been struggling to pray for the past years. I used to pray with a quiet mind and just be present with just God when I was younger but nowadays my mind is distracted with the daily tasks. I started to feel sinful and beat myself up because of this. Thank you so much for this video. Now I know that I'm not alone and I need to be gentle with myself too when I'm distracted. May God bless you.

[@Jordanx9]

The only prayer I need today is the Act of Contrition lol

[@rhwinner]

We all do. Everyday . Don't beat yourself up. ❤

[@debbiefurtado9780]

❤❤❤❤God forgive me

[@Michele.3142]

Fr. Mike I have been doing the Cathechism in Year on Ascension. I am not currently Catholic but working my way there. Prayer is something I do daily now as well. Thank you for all that you do🙏🏻😌

[@EliB567a]

Fr Mike, you are a Joy, & you are inspired. Thankyou.

[@cheslaemerick5029]

When I have distractions come up, instead of handling them right then and there, I ask my guardian angel to remind me of the distraction at a later time so that I can focus on, and give my time to God. I used to stop my prayer and text that person, add that thing to my to do list etc. It might seem silly, but it works and has helped me to trust God that much more ❤

[@FollowerofChrist2002]

Praise be to You Lord Jesus, Holy is Your Name our Lord our God. May God bless y’all and prayers out for y’all. We humbly pray and wish all of this in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior’s Holy Name, Amen.

[@mariechong9109]

There are times in prayers and mass, I get distracted, my thoughts travel far away, and when I realised I had wander, I bring myself back to my prayers or mass. Lord I am sorry for my wandering mind and thought

[@R_Thomp]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one who gets distracted. Thank you Father...❤

[@Saintvanillagorilla]

I ask prayers for a person named Ferrari Deija, he has committed suicide

[@pinkpaprika8410]

A French Cardinal once wrote:“Prayer is a battle between God and us, which God wins for our sake“.

[@priscillastraw1618]

Reading the psalms is very good because they are able to connect with what is in our hearts. The psalms speaks of the love of God for his people something that we need to hear all the time. To read the psalms is like when we put a balm on a wound to heal is that kind of effect it gives to our souls.

[@nickrugg]

Fr. Mike, God’s wrestling coach!!! ✝️🙏🏻❤️💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@pasalasaga]

I have and ADHD and ASD overlap, so it's very easy for me to get distracted, not get anything at all, or both at the same time.

[@juliel0721]

I wholeheartedly BELIEVE that God brings you, Father Mike,to me in my most needed moments. Your message today couldn't have come at a more perfect time with the distractions I faced during my morning prayers. God Bless You Father Mike and I Thank You Jesus, for bringing Fr. Mike to US. 🙏🏻❤️🌈

[@cherylawitherell1800]

i am so guilty of this. Thankyou, Fr. Mike

[@ruthvholland]

Peace be. Glory and honor and praise to God for the Roman Catholic Church offering each person a chance to build on the rock his church where prayer has a time and a place to share. Thank you Jesus. 8:17

[@MattP8143]

Thank you Fr. Schmitz. I think this helps all who are struggling with prayer hardships. 🙏

[@animula6908]

I’m better about praying than attending mass. I read a book that made get serious about it called the master and his emissary. It’s not even a Catholic book, but it made me remember these things aren’t distant next life consequences only: it has power to change society for all of us including those who don’t know Jesus.

[@mya5980]

🤗EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO KNOW THANKS BE TO GOD 👑✝️🕊️

[@bill4852]

Amen 🙏🙏🙏 Thank you Fr. Mike ❤

[@jasonderosa1137]

Father Mike, have you been watching my prayer times?😂

[@user-de6wf1zg7o]

This was a Godsend. Literally 5minutes before playing this I was struggling to concentrate on reciting the rosary. Just kept getting distracted. Kept pulling myself back. Kept starting anew. Decided to stop and have breakfast. Switched to KZbin and guess what came up first? Father Mike with this video. I wasn’t alone while praying. Thank you.

[@thebretya]

That's so practical, thank you Father for this simple and effective explanation.

[@deb9806]

I really felt this today. Been there so many times myself

[@believewithyourheart5627]

Oh yes!! 😄🙏💓

[@oburup]

needed to hear this.

[@thehurthealer]

Aww. I’m such a mess sometimes. But I do show up for prayer. Thank you Fr Mike 😊

[@maryp5127]

Amen Thank you Fr Mike 🙏🏻

[@shawnmh91]

Thank you for this! 🙏

[@jocelyneboutot5722]

Thank you again !

[@GodsWhisper940]

Amen I trust you with faith amen

[@michaelanthony4750]

Thanks for the advice!

[@Wewillbeokay8]

Another great reminder! Thank you!

[@agnesomotayo5332]

Thanks for the teaching

[@17CW68fNv]

Especially, the being gentle with yourself part.

[@ChildofGod98765]

Thank you.

[@BenchPressGirl]

Thank you for this video 💯

[@jude1515]

Good positive message.

[@LK-373]

Thank you 😊

[@nathanngumi8467]

Word.

[@user-kk2ct3rc2m]

AMEN. Gracias Father Mike 👍💯✌️💯

[@gilgil1987]

Thank you Father. I am bookmarking this

[@perpetuafernandes2966]

Amen God bless

[@doreenm8693]

Thank you

[@tyler.sotock2504]

Thank you Father Mike!

[@retrochristmaschic]

Fantastic video!

[@harriettt9857]

Thank you Fr. Mike it’s so helpful

[@conniemurphyover70stillgla47]

Thank you father❤

[@colleenramoo8200]

Thank you for inspiring me 🙏

[@rosawisteria]

Thank you Father. 🎉❤

[@leegrant1800]

I would just like to say thank you for your KZbin channel I'm in the long process of becoming a Roman Catholic it's taking me many years to realise what the world is really about.❤

[@KolokaiKalai]

Glad that I listened to this..VALUABLE..Thankyou Fr.Mike...

[@mazikode]

Thank you fear Ff Mike

[@jacquelineshukla919]

I learned (or possibly remembered something I forgot) from you today that it is good to take something away from prayer times. I realized that I am in the habit of just moving along after I pray. I will endeavor to carry a “spiritual bouquet “ from my prayer time throughout my day. One request I have for you: can you please use inclusive language? You might not think that makes a difference in your message, but you are excluding over half your audience when you refer to us as “men.” Try calling everyone “women “ and you will see what I mean 😉

[@preethyuthup2793]

Thankyou Father i really liked it .

[@IRISHBee4]

If I have failed to have a good take away, I try to hold this thought in my mind (Abba, I love you. Thank you for loving me.)