Difficulties in Prayer with St. Thérèse: CarmelCast Episode 66

Distractions, drowsiness, dryness... these are struggles that we all face during our times of prayer. In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Marc Foley, OCD to discuss what St. Thérèse can teach us about how to approach these difficulties in prayer.
Leave a comment or send us an email at [e-mail] if you have topics or questions that you’d like us to address throughout this season. God bless you!
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For more information:
www.icspublications.org
www.discalcedcarmel.org
ocdfriarsvocation.org

[@ICSPublications]

If you found this episode helpful, you'll probably also enjoy our episode on interior silence: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pquXd5innd6CkLc God bless you all!

[@GTKJNow]

Apostate father Mark has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus Christ not apostate man.

[@mauixram2007]

@@GTKJNowyou’re like a day and night accuser here. How can you show your love to a person without giving him or her your time?

[@sunnyside9988]

Very helpful I was beating myself a lot of my life for growing tired on occasion praying. Seems silly now.

[@GTKJNow]

@@mauixram2007 He is my first love, Why do u accuse me of on NOT giving Him my time?

[@jackb9095]

ST.TERESA OF LISIEUX: “I should be distressed that I drop off to sleep during my prayers... But I don’t feel at all distressed. I know that children are just as dear to their parents whether they are asleep or awake, and I know that doctors put their patients to sleep before they operate. I’d never before heard it said that one’s faults did not distress God, and I was overwhelmed with joy when I did receive this assurance. It gave me patience to endure this life of exile. It was, too, the echo of my inmost thoughts. For a long time I had realized that Our Lord was more tender than a mother - and how well I know the depths of tenderness in more than one mother’s heart! I know that a mother is always ready to forgive the misbehavior of her child.”

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

ST. TERESA OF AVILA: “Don’t think that if you had a great deal of time you would spend more of it in prayer. Get rid of that idea! God gives more in a moment than in a long period of time, for His actions are not measured by time at all. Know that even when you are in the kitchen, our Lord is moving among the pots and pans!”

[@GTKJNow]

Where's your 1st love?Apostate father Mark has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus Christ not apostate man.

[@PaulaOkeefe]

Your wisdom is powerful and thank you so much! Praised be Jesus Christ now and forever!!!!!!!

[@irishcatholic880]

It's lovely to watch a calm video that isn't gimmicky. Thank you. God bless you. When I pray a storm of negativity comes at me from inside my own head, things like not being worthy, that even God doesn't want you, that it's pointless to plead because nobody is listening, that you aren't important enough to be heard by God and even that I'm delusional and inventing God because I can't deal with my own insignificance. I don't know if it's my own subconscious or the devil but it seems relentless sometimes. In the end I had to stop those contemplative silences and just pray the Rosary, but even with the Rosary sometimes the storm comes.

[@janetouchedupoujol6344]

It came to me the other day that I am child of God. We only need be a child. A small child accepts himself totally. He is so unaware of what he is supposed to be. He only knows that he is and his parent loves him so greatly. This is one of St Therese's ways. It clears all condemnation.

[@irishcatholic880]

@@janetouchedupoujol6344 Thank you, it's a good reminder. There are many adults today who never got to be children when they should have been, kids of addicts etc. It's very hard for us to let go and trust in anyone or anything. It can pose a huge problem spiritually. Please pray to for everyone in the world afflicted like that, those in need of His mercy but not able to trust it.

[@LostArchivist]

As someone who has fought that fight I can tell you. Bring these thoughts up to God and let Him judge them and shine His Light as the Sun of Justice, Divine Wisdom and Teacher and Overflowing Fount of Mercy and Love. Remember God does not just have justice, He is Justice and He does not just have mercy, He is Mercy, and He does not just have truth and wisdom, He is Truth and Wisdom. Also, if you are alive, God is not only loving you, He is fighting for you!

[@irishcatholic880]

@@LostArchivist thank you SO much, that's a powerful message and you put it beautifully!

[@irishcatholic880]

@@janetouchedupoujol6344 thank you, I will try to be more simple, it's a good message. It can be difficult for a lot of adults who didn't get to be children or to learn trust due to parents with addictions and other issues. Please pray for people afflicted like that, it's a long road.

[@karlcernidtfftrdefdd]

This is comforting to someone who struggles in prayer

[@ritawatson1478]

I have ADHD and get distracted during prayer especially during the Rosary. I persevere and I still think those prayers are valuable. ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@TotusTuus-jf7qz]

Thanks for sharing

[@lydia55ification]

lol same here.. sometimes i realize my attention has wandered off and I have said a sentence or two of the prayer.. Then I come back to what I am doing...So I say to Mary or Christ ...'Im sure you know what I should have said and what I would have meant' ..

[@KarlUrb]

Once I got to the end of the Rosary only to realize I had skipped a whole decade.

[@cristinabarone9799]

100% He knows our struggles and our intentions

[@RCaru-nv2lt]

Like your praying the devil gets in your head distract you.

[@stageluvr91]

I have this issue before mass when I am trying to say the rosary. People chat and talk (not whispering - regular talking) when they come into church. It’s not social time. It’s time to be still in the presence of God, prepare for mass. Drives me nuts.

[@ICSPublications]

That's a beautiful way to view it, Lapis. God bless you!

[@chef242don8]

This is a result of a lack of discipline in the church today. As I was growing up in the '40s, the church was a quiet and contemplative place to pray. This also applies to cell phones. How many times have you heard the ding ding ding of messages or emails being received or even the ringing of the phone because people forgot, even though they were asked to PLEASE turn off their phone in church. It does no good to complain because society today is all about letting things happen as you want them to and not as they should be. I believe it is the pastor's responsibility to inform people that they should not be talking out loud either when they enter the church or as soon as the church door opens after Mass. Unfortunately, there is a tendency to not want to upset people, probably because of the potential loss of revenue if people become upset and take their religious business to another parish where they can talk as much as they want, anytime they want.

[@Saint.Evil.11]

Same issues

[@MarilynBoussaid-yd1vk]

Talking disturbs me too, and in fact any sound can be distracting. Years ago, I mentioned this to a visiting priest from India. He said to me, just keep whispering your prayers to God. I will tell you a story how God can use our shortcomings to accomplish His Will. About 30 years ago, when I was a new convert, I participated in something called a Rosary pilgrimage. This was a recurring all-day event, carpooling from parish to parish, praying some part of the Rosary in each place. One particular Saturday, at the first stop, I became very anxious. I couldn't tolerate how each person in the large group was praying at their own pace, all out of sync. I became so nervous that I got up and left. If this had happened later, I would have been stuck depending on someone else's car. But, still having my own car, I simply went home. I was just in time to receive a phone call from a priest friend from India, who said he was returning to India the next day and could I join him for dinner, along with the other two lady volunteers who had shown him hospitality during his stay. He also had an amazing story of how he had gotten my phone number, obviously also the Lord's work. I realized that if I had continued the Rosary pilgrimage, I would have missed this wonderful opportunity to say goodbye. It was a great blessing. I learned something from that experience. I find that, most of the time, I can persevere through the distractions, whether by praying for the people distracting me, or by just being thankful for the grace to be quiet myself. If I can't bear it, I might leave to continue my prayers while walking, or while sitting on a bench, or at home, keeping in mind that the Lord knows exactly where my heart is, He knows what I'm feeling and what I'm thinking, and perhaps He has prepared another surprise for me -- someone who needs a listening ear, or a helping hand, or who wants to take me out to dinner!

[@GTKJNow]

​@@ICSPublications Does anyone ever quote from the source of what Jesus Christ says? I haven't heard here. Apostate father Mark has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus Christ not apostate man.

[@bethedoG...gohome]

It's nice to know that I'm not the only one struggling to stay awake!!! Good talk ... thanks!

[@GTKJNow]

Apostate father Marc has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus Christ .

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

ST. TERESA OF LISIEUX: “I cannot bring myself to hunt through books for beautiful prayers. There are so many of them that I get a headache. Besides, each prayer seems lovelier than the next. I cannot possibly say them all and do not know which to choose. I behave like a child who cannot read: I tell God what I want and He always understands. For me, prayer is an upward leap of the heart, an untroubled glance towards heaven, a cry of gratitude and love which I utter from the depths of sorrow as well as from the heights of joy...”

[@annemariezeckzer3594]

❤ Amen to that. 🙏

[@suew4609]

@@annemariezeckzer3594I love St. Therese! She’s so wise for a young person. I’m reading her book for the 3rd time.

[@martinlee465]

"As worthy as a grain of sand. Yet held precious in Your hand. You raised me up, above the clabber. In all creation I call you my Father"

[@earthtraveller]

Beautiful

[@RantzBizGroup]

Thank you both! I am a lifelong Catholic that for some reason, never said the Rosary often. Even in my Catholic school days it wasn't often utilized. Eight years ago I made the vow to Our Lady of Sorrows to say a daily Rosary. You will both smile in that now I'm finally ready for the readings of the saints mentioned in this video... The dryness of the soul is heart wrenching once experienced, but through it the entire Rosary is felt emotionally. And, rather like having said a particular prayer for decades, it somehow becomes new as layers are peeled away. The Little Way is astonishing in its depth and complexity if we allow for it to be so.

[@sam12587]

I needed this. Thank you. Im very Benedictine in my practices and I frequently mutter prayers while doing non-verbal work. Recently I was admonished by a devote Marian for not doing all my prayers kneeling in perfect concentration. The quality and intention (direction of who it benefits) of my work is my offering up to God and I needed this reminder that we aren’t all the same or in the same phase of prayer. ....Especially with the tendons in my knees failing.

[@j2muw667]

God bless your knees!! I find that praying while doing other things is still much better than letting thoughts mindlessly wander! (My own opinion) I do need to work on quiet time with God more. I do a lot of praying and driving and doing chores outside and such. But need to chisel out more time for just God.

[@roseblack1135]

@j2muw667 this so true. To me personally I’d rather pray while walking or hiking or washing the dishes, or cooking. if it’s hard to concentrate then I get my earbud and listen to spiritual talks to keep me thinking of God. Rather than just think outside of God. It takes practice and grace from God. But most of all decision is ours to make. No excuses.

[@jscotarm2540]

Very practical and also very edifying. Found this particularly helpful this week during time in a recent Eucharistic Adoration. An elderly man was "praying out loud" in church. I could hear bits and pieces of prayers "full of grace...for the sake of his....defend us in..." fading in and out. Rather than being a distraction it became, in a way, delightful for me! As if Our Lord was letting me "listen in" on this soul's heartfelt prayer to him. Thank you for helping me with your timely video!

[@TheLollipop337]

At Eucharistic adoration, there's a 100 year old who's gutteral sounds when praying sound like to she's growling. When I can hear some words it's edifying.

[@lapislazuli7876]

@@TheLollipop337everything can be used as a forgiveness opportunity. Our mind is fond of wandering. So whatever you can use to bring your mind back to the moment is useful. Maybe those supposed “distractions” are a call and response from the Holy Spirit. Everything can be used for the mind and heart willing to listen. Everything is a gift.

[@Titan500J]

This was like sitting at the table with my own personal spiritual guides✝️

[@Catholicity-uw2yb]

ST. MOTHER TERESA OF CALCUTTA: “We create all kinds of difficulties in our prayer. Let us go back to what Jesus has taught - the intimate and simple prayer: ‘Our Father...’ Even little children can pray this.”

[@GTKJNow]

If you have not love your Nothing 1st Corinthians 13. Apostate father Marc has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus Christ not apostate man.

[@user-fs9wj4wj2f]

I think it’s important to remember that Jesus doesn’t actually get tired of us. Of course I know St. Terese didn’t mean it like that, but I just wanted to share that. The Father always delights in us

[@sm.4798]

I have severe issues focusing; even in prayer I will get up and wash dishes etc. it’s refreshing to know it’s not that bad as long as we get back to it.

[@lisabenoit5147]

@sm 4798 ... if the goal is simply to be in conversation, aka prayer with our Lord, you can let your hands do those dishes rather hold beads of a rosary. People utilize what people utilize for a focused approach to prayer .. but our Father does not care about beads or dishes. He longs to have our heart and our attention. He longs for our relationship. So go pray AS you do the dishes, or make the bed, or tend to the garden, etc. Be in prayer in solitude and be in prayer as you go about your day. Rosary beads are simply an option ... not an obligation.

[@lapislazuli7876]

Father Marc has such a lovely, kind and gentle way of explaining the vagaries of prayer. He is both practical and yet observant of the discipline of prayer. His teaching allows us to accept our own humanness and not to succumb to guilt all the time. His idea of “showing up” is radical in its simplicity and humanity. I find his teaching refreshing because it’s so loving. So much Catholic dogma isn’t kind, it’s so harsh and rigid. This was a beautiful conversation.

[@quesnerquezada1700]

Beloved Mary, grateful for this gift.

[@oliveiran2592]

What a joy to find this channel praised be jesus

[@ICSPublications]

May Jesus be praised now and forever! God bless you Oliveira!

[@lauraalvares6751]

I have been stuggling with prayer, and suddenly this episodr popped up and addressed all my questions. Thank you for this wonderful.teaching. it seems to be specially tailored for me.🙏

[@marichucaterial7045]

Thankyou Fathers for these valuable lessons on prayers especially on dealing with distractions while praying and staying in the presenceofGod. God bless us all!

[@pam-0383]

Falling alseep with God in prayer is the best!

[@naty2530]

I LOVE your teachings! I’m so appreciative, especially in today’s busy, busy world.

[@elvacuevas7021]

Age 33! Jesus Age...when died on the Cross. A very Special Age. What a Blessing indeed. Keep modeling His Love with your acts of kindness. You will be Rewarded-

[@suzieroberts2203]

I am 77 years old. And I find it almost impossible. To sit still while I'm in pso I get up. And I walk around otherwise I will sit in a chair. And I will not be able to meditate or concentrate but just get sleepy. And I always ask God to forgive me for moving around while I am praying sometimes I sometimes I say my best prayers while I am doing the dishes. And I feel bad about that, but I cannot be without prayer. It's like going through the whole day without brushing your hair or washing. It is a part of me. But since I'm older. I find it harder and order to sit still and concentrate. I just fall asleep. So I hope God accepts my prayer. In the way that I love saint. Theresa when I read her order biography for the first time, which I am unable to even read anymore.Because my vision is so bad.I was Weeping. During the time of her agony, she was a true and great and glorious snake and yet I don't believe she ever had any visual operations but she was so connected to God.❤

[@loganrideout9151]

The first time I really gave myself to God and prayed with all of my heart, I fell asleep. I woke up feeling like the weight of the world had been lifted from me. I took it as a sign that I made the right choice and I haven't looked back.

[@margokupelian344]

Thank you so much for this beautiful and insightful discussion!!! I needed this, it brought peace to my heart. This past Saturday I went to Mass as it was the first Saturday of the month although I was feeling quite sick ( I have many health issues) and I had to stand in line for an hour and a half before it was my turn. I was extremely tired and felt sicker. After my confession I attended Mass, I was feeling much better and I felt like I was in a trance. On Sunday I woke up very sick. I just did my morning prayers and that was it. I couldn’t pray all day. I wanted to but couldn’t and I was in torture all day. At the end of the day I offered my suffering to Jesus and I was at peace. The spiritual life has so many mysteries. So I thank Fr. Foley and that sweet brother for this discussion. It was quite revealing to me. I have to watch it again. P. S. I decided to read St. Teresa’s books. She is such a special saint and I see some similarities between our characters. Her feast day is on October 15 and so is my birthday. Much love to you St. Teresa of Avila. 😊🙏

[@mistyviolet3825]

❤AMEN 😊🕊️💐

[@elliewilson8863]

Have you tried on becoming a Third Order Carmelite or at least attend some Carmelites meetings to discern your vocation in Carmel? Hope you do so . Blessings in Carmel, sincerely, Ellie Wilson OCDS 🌹🙏🏻

[@elvacuevas7021]

It's more like "push ourselves" to Pray- To do what we must do...even though we DO NOT feel like it. Our minds will try to guide us, but we must listen to our HEARTS❤

[@susiek3988]

Thank you God for showing me this video today! U always lead me and never let me down

[@anabelmarinez2112]

What’s helped me with the rosary is imagining my self there physically watching as a witness or bystander. When my mind wanders I catch myself and just say a little prayer for the Holy Spirit take my distractions. I breathe,wait a a minute and start again. I feel guilty when I’m drowsy during prayer but never when I’m scrolling social media! Thank you for this video . ❤

[@stellavarghese9959]

Thank you for the reflection on prayer and the difficulties during prayers. These are real struggles for me. Hope I will be able to pray better.

[@jgabuten8868]

It reminds us that God is way bigger than our preoccupations, distractions, problems, responsibilities. We surrender all these to God and we can only do this in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and in Sacrament of Reconciliation through confession.

[@michellegaskin6632]

Yesterday in the adoration chapel, I encountered a woman who was there another time. I find it annoying that she whispers loud enough that it intrudes on my own thoughts and prayers. I thought about writing a brief polite note asking her to pray internally, then I thought of the parish office to complain. Something kept me from doing it yesterday, same as the previous time. If this is what she needs I should not take it away from her.🙏🏾. You both just confirmed that. Thank you.

[@kerryfaden94]

You guys are so great I feel so guilty about my prayer life which is consistent but feels like it goes nowhere/ no one listens - just alone You are so helpful!!

[@pam-0383]

St. Thérèse just seems to defy all convention and simply BE in His will fully at every moment! In other words, always present to the "flow" of awareness of God...like surfing.

[@G1Duane]

To be grateful throughout your day is also prayer. 🙏. Great episode. God bless.

[@abassage655]

This discussion is SUCH a blessing to me tonight!! Thank you!!

[@minadady9950]

As a stay at home mom with 2 boys, I'm incredibly overstimulated.. pretty much all the time. This discussion has changed how I see it, and I'm excited to put new practice into my days and seek the virtue hidden behind my first reactions.

[@MarthaMyDear6]

That is wonderful! I don’t have kids but have a stressful job (nurse) and am always “on”. Great discussion that is so positive! ♥️🙏🌹📿

[@ginakendrick2581]

One of the saints, I can’t remember now which book I was reading but he said that think of difficult people [creatures] especially the ones we live with..that they offer us 1000 plus opportunities for practice in virtues and self denial when done out of love for God.

[@raulvalerio4332]

This book you read and forgotten is the Story of a Soul by St Therese of the Child Jesus, an Autobiography translated to English by Fr John Clark, OCD

[@francescaderimini2931]

Amen!

[@princessorig1]

In the Philippines a saying goes...you will reach heaven because of your difficulties ,trials, people

[@roseblack1135]

Today in church after receiving Holy communion I heard 2 ladies 2 pews behind me giggling and talking loudly while priest was still giving communion and while the cantor was singing. At first I was focused in my prayers I usually am) for over 5 minutes, I continued to pray didn’t get bothered. Somehow I started hearing them getting louder and louder like competing with the singing of the cantor. I had to turn my head and looked at them. They got the hint they then talked very softly. Sometimes we have to do something when it’s called for but gently with subtlety. And I did it out of love.

[@coolvibes3663]

@ 21:51 " so I would say, memorize certain things, a line from scripture..." I applied that idea when I began a person relationship with Jesus in '84 , it's been invaluable in so many ways and most importantly it's His words which will always contain His power to change. Thanks for sharing

[@kerryfaden94]

This is so helpful I see St Therese as perfect I feel now she understands through you understanding!!

[@cynthiaclarke4224]

This was both comforting AND challenging. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and for showing such respect for each other. A conversation in which each person can finish a thought without being interrupted shows a fantastic gift of truly listening.

[@ICSPublications]

Thank you for your kind words, Cynthia. Know of our prayers for you!

[@mariemorgan2524]

I always battle with distraction when praying. Sometimes, I will engage in thoughts that brought joy in my life, a joy I would not usually experience in the normal realm of things However, I later realize it is the evil one trying to dominate my mind. It's a battle, and I turn my focus on the great love my Savior has for me to continue with my prayers. Usually, I am always aware of what and who is most important in my life to keep my focus.

[@mikebolognese7134]

I'm so glad to have discovered this.

[@lloydpatrick6503]

Praise the Lord God our Father. Lord show us your mercy and heal our ailments. Protect us against Corona Virus Pandemic. For our family and near and dear ones. For our spiritual and temporal wants. St Teresa pray for us. Our Lady of Mount Carmel pray for us. St John of the Cross pray for us. Blessed Margaret Pole pray for us

[@luzpalomo2736]

Thank you, Fathers for this enriching chapter! God bless you 🙏

[@GTKJNow]

Apostate father Marc has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus not apostate man.

[@TheFaithChurch14]

8:14 that's helps greatly I have been lacking in completing rosary but grown in adoration services and weekly mass Eucharistic. Mary leads us to Jesus amen

[@stephaniemartinez327]

As a 51 yr old going thru menopause, I find this so helpful. I often wake up in the middle of the night because of night sweats or insomnia. Then go to school and help teach prek, so afterwards, by the time I go to Adoration, I pray and then find myself dosing off out of pure exhaustion. This gives me great comfort, cause I always felt like I was failing in pray time with Jesus..

[@teresaoftheandes6279]

Boron & B1 helped with those symptoms.

[@GTKJNow]

Why don't you just to listen the snake music to wake you up? If you have not love your Nothing 1st Corinthians 13. Apostate father Marc has spoken the best thing you can give the Lord is your time, NOT TRUE. It Is your 1st love, read the book of Revelation of Jesus Christ by the apostle John. Apostate father Mark is not my father you have to prove it by me, apostle Paul proved he is a father but not this devil worshiper he's an hypocrite as spoken in Matthew 23. Listen to Jesus Christ not apostate man.

[@weewee568]

Now i know i am not alone. I needed to see this video 🙏thank you. Praise the Lord 🙏 We are all from different countries and yet we are able to watch this video together in different countries, thank you Lord 🙏 Patient is being Patient when i am impatient. I have never thought of this b4. Sometime i struggle during my praying (rosary). And im not proud of it. I would try all way, pulling my curtain (in my room). Staying focus and tried saying prayer loud and also soft. Trying to filter the noise. But after listening to this video, i really benefits alot from here. (I listened while jogging) All are from internal , not external. And yes, sometime i wanted to say something but something tell me don't say it. And i have experience hearing my own thoughts telling me something, the same old thing for years( on and off), and this thing that i heard (in my thoughts)really happened recently. We always cannot fingure out is that my own thoughts or my angel is trying to Talk to me or to warn me. Some say pray and read bible and you will hear God's word. I'm still working on this. I love God. I have faith in God. But i also know we can't use our rule to measure our faith and love for God. Cuz God has His own ruler too! For those who are like me, who want to hear God's word and His voice, I pray for you guys, and let's have Patient especially during our impatient moments and able to hear His voice 🙏 Amen.

[@MarthaMyDear6]

Thank you! Your comment helped me so much. So difficult to stay patient, but I’m working on it. I’m thankful for this ministry and so happy that we can gather from all over the world to focus on the Lord! 🙏😊

[@mariafefuentes2580]

For me Praying the Rosary is like contemplating to the life of Jesus with the Virgin Mary, if you just focus and vocally you recite it it’s a beautiful prayer and as you go along it’s getting more and more I feel closer to Mama Mary, there’s a lot of destruction and sometimes you feel it boring but if you try to understand every word that comes out from your mouth you feel li,e you are in heaven.🙏🌹🙏

[@SrGemmaRose]

“What are my insights…they make me feel good or they help me to love”- Fr Marc Foley. God reward you Father. This is so powerful.

[@lisa-im4kv]

Wow thank you for your work putting this youtube page together. It is a treasure for those of us who have desire to grow closer to God in prayer

[@mistyviolet3825]

YESSSSSSS! ❤❤❤🌾🌾🌾🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💚💚💚

[@ICSPublications]

Know of our prayers for you, Lisa!

[@lisa-im4kv]

@@ICSPublications thank you!

[@dianaprice3660]

Excellent youtube! It was very helpful to me because I’m 81 and I’m struggling with all three. Thank you!

[@jerisharpe906]

I love your explanation of prayer. I slways felt as a failure by getting distracted while praying. When I realize I have strayed & pulled myself back to thinking about prayer, I now thank you for your answer. I don't think I've given up anything when I pray.

[@teriellis9487]

Thank you Father, this video is truly helpful because I find myself exhausted and falls asleep during my prayers which I cannot avoid, to me, no matter how tired or exhausted I am, I still need to pray- not because its an obligation but it is one that charges my spiritual life when life discharges my energy out of all the negative things happening around me all day long. I find that its sometimes helpful for me to walk around inside the house back & forth while praying so as not to fall asleep.

[@annaashton3808]

Thank you for your help and love explaining our human struggles with prayer. God bless CB you both

[@nicholasalbert9573]

Thank you very much dear Fathers. Your conversation is very helpful. I am reignited to persevere in Prayer inspite of numerous hurdles and distractions.

[@MarilynBoussaid-yd1vk]

"You always end up leaving the Rosary for later, and you end up not saying it at all because you are sleepy. If there is no other time, say it in the street without letting anybody notice it. It will, moreover, help you to have presence of God. -- St. Josemaría Escrivá

[@esticanary1021]

" Knowledge always has to end with Love" 💕

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

I love The Story of a Soul: Study Edition- what an unexpected blessing to “get to know” Fr. Marc! I was never able to connect with St. Therese until I read his book.

[@femmecorbeau]

Life on life's terms. God is always there!

[@margaretlucero6338]

🕎Thank you Fathers, Thank you Sister Treasa Thank you Heaven Almighty Father for you kindness grace and love. Mother Mary pray for contempment and gidence Jesus do as me as you will..💚🌹🕊️

[@TotusTuus-jf7qz]

Ive found that a good discerner for how my prayer life is, is the Sacred Liturgy. As in: "what dispositions is Mother Church trying to form in me at this particular liturgical season, etc.?" And if there is a disconnect, I know something isnt right. One example is that during Lent the texts of the Office and Mass have a very much exhortatory tone, "now is the acceptable time", etc. But I just felt down and with no alacrity for spiritual exercises at all. I realised I was being way too harsh on myself and trying to do too much at once. This caused me to reassess and I ended up having a much more fruitful Lent than otherwise, because when it came to Holy Week I felt empowered to observe that time with great fervour, whereas otherwise I would have been utterly wearied.

[@davidhuber7552]

If I'm praying and then think about something I need to buy or some current issue in my life, I don't see it as a distraction. Rather, I see it as God friendly reminding me about what I need to buy or suggesting an issue I need to pray about in the two-way conversation.

[@MarthaMyDear6]

Awesome! I never looked at it this way before. So maybe when I’m distracted it’s God actually drawing our attention to something He feels is important! ♥️🙏✝️Thank you!

[@rohann7579]

Thank you for doing St. Therese of the Child Jesus ❤️ I love this Saint

[@catbrumwell6437]

Thank you for this session …. I’ve learned so much about a prayerful life🙏🏻

[@joytotheworldbyAnaMaria]

The hardest for me with ADHD is to not think on other stuff while praying the Rosary, although I try to focus with my heart not my mind... Beautiful video to grow in meditation skills!

[@prodigaldawtr7907]

So true. A daily struggle. I think our constant need to re-focus on Him is a good offering. That's how I try to view it. But it's tough.

[@brunaandrade2105]

What a wonderful gift this video is! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

[@patriciamcgrath5185]

This was really beautiful. Thank you

[@mistyviolet3825]

Thank you 🙏🏻 so ❤much!!!! I could listen to this holy priest 🕊️🙏🏻give us a spiritual talk all day……😊

[@ICSPublications]

Know of our prayers for you, Misty!

[@mistyviolet3825]

@@ICSPublications 😊yes please 🙏🏻 I really really need those prayers and my broken family, PLEASE 🙏🏻 FOR me and my 2 adult children who are away from our Holy Mother Church….. THANK YOU 🙏🏻 SO MUCH!🤍⛪️🕊️

[@Pace1818]

And Our Lord looooves Our attention!! Any little attention He is so so so appreciative of our glances and our affection! Wow if we only knew!! How much does He love our attention!!!! Beautiful JESUS BEAUTIFUL SAVIOUR!! ❤️💞❤️💞❤️🔥💒🕊️🙏and Our LADY TOO!! And Saint JOSEPH ❤️💞❤️💞🙏💒🔥

[@deliamillanes7141]

I so love this conversation and yes helps in my rosary daily. Godspeed and Godbless both.😇🙏

[@renabecerra-rasti2622]

My sister became a discalced Carmelite because of the Little Flower.

[@kittyblaine7917]

Wow…..Thank you this video has been so helpful I don’t know the words to express the degree of magnitude to describe …So grateful 🙏🌹❤️‍🔥🛐✝️🕊️Peace Be With you Both🙏🕊️

[@mohansingh4166]

Please pray that I will always be silent even amidst so much shouting and yelling in my family. Why can't my family leave me alone to go to church and pray quietly in my room. I am an aged housewife yet my family is very rude to me. Husband and children don't pray the rosary nor read the bible. There is no family prayer time nor meal times together. I am so tired and lost and am suffering from countless illness including heart, lung stroke and cronice constpation. I surrendered to God and want to do God's holy will. I am in and out of hospital almost 6 times a year. All I want is to have some peace and quiet at home God have mercy on us and the whole world. 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@anitajoseph8733]

Ask God the grace to surrender totally to him through the ihm. Listen to hymns esp what a friend we have in jesus.use the verses and passages as a form of prayer.eg the storm for upsetting times.thou will keep im perfect peace ehose mind us stayed on thee.isahiah26/3.i go on repeating them until i experience God s peace.say them aloud ..not for God to hear . these bible verses are like tonics and medicine to strengthen us . remember and look back on every miracle of the bible , because you had faith ,you were healed or set free. Jesus is the same yesterday , today and always , if you go to him with a humble and a contrite heart he will help.yes he does, i i have personsl experiences .put all your problems .journal them , talk to jesus , he will show you the way out. Dont focus what is wrong with your family but focus on the problem solver.he has the power of solving all your problems.trust his dibine mercy.you find that Jesus will use you to convert the family. Be patient.pray until something happens~PUSH~,

[@trinahaifa2860]

Folks, I don't think the majority of people know how powerful praying the Holy Rosary is! I saw Our Blessed Mother holding a large book, and it covered both of her shoulders all the way down to her hips, and I just saw her fingers holding it up from the bottom. I asked her. "What is that?" and she said, "The book of life, " and the vision ended. Another time, I felt someone's hand rest on my left shoulder, and I lifted my right hand to put my hand over their hand that was on my shoulder, but there was no one there! Another time I went into a strange grocery store and I was looking for Splenda so I went into the sugar aisle but I didn't see any Splenda so I started to walk out and as I got to the end of the aisle I heard a noise behind me. I turned around to look, but I was alone. However, I did see something on the floor that wasn't there before, so I turned around and went back to see what it was, and it was a box of Splenda. I had not seen the Splenda on the shelf, and it was knocked off of the shelf when I was far away from it about to turn out of the aisle. Currently, the enemy tries to stop me from praying the Rosary because I start to get a shortness of breath. I can only get a few words out, and when I feel out of breath, I try to breathe in deeply, but my lungs will not fill up all the way with air. I feel as though I'm suffocating, so I have to say the following anywhere from 1 to 3 times before I can breathe freely and pray. "In the name of Lord Jesus Christ, satan I rebuke you, and I bind you. I command you to return to the pit of hell from where you came." PRAY THE ROSARY! I was born in the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and in Her honor of the appearance in Lourdes I was given my middle name. I have been devoted to her as my patron Saint from the age of 5 and taught to always honor love and adore her by my beloved maternal grandmother.

[@annemiller8962]

I do have sleep apnea, so falling asleep during the time of saying the Rosary, Adoration and mass. How can I honor God with my human short comings?

[@Restless318]

god bless you Fathers and thank you

[@4ourladyofnaju72]

We also can turn every moment into prayers... Just as what Our Lady of Naju told to Mama Julia Kim of Naju Korea.. Through the Five Spiritualities 🥰

[@thisgirl5933]

Lord, help me pray. Amen.

[@elliewilson8863]

Now and forever be praise ! Thank you for your beautiful advice . I have been a Third Order Carmelite for many years and I am learning more about prayer every day . I am currently reading “ Union with God” according to St John of the Cross . The struggles we face in prayers are our greatest strength that propels us to God . My struggles I gave them to Him and tell him “ I just came to sit with you, I don’t feel like it but I’ll sit here and just watch you “ We have according to St John to discern from where our aridity comes from if is from God or from our own . Thank you again .

[@peaceandlove544]

Set a time, write your preocupacionts before, breath deeply, contemplate an image or nature. Practice makes perfect. Set a special quite space for prayer, put your hands together, look above, feel the top of your head. Your crown area that connects to heaven through prayer. God gave me the gift of seen things. And while a priest was praying in my home standing up I saw a light coming from the top of his head up.

[@user-be9pn1mz3t]

Thank you! What loveliness to my ears is this episode. I closed my eyes and absorbed your commentary. 🙏🏽🛐✝️

[@ICSPublications]

God bless you!

[@beAdeodatus]

That statement is so profound, “You give power to that which you resist”. As a matter of fact, I’m going too meditate on that, all day. Thank you

[@JimCvit]

I don’t think I can say thank you enough for this episode. I’ve been struggling recently with each of these and you’ve answered so many questions. How I know God is working in me is something you just said about first movements. I had no idea what John was talking about now I do and I’ve been doing just this and moving y will back to God without knowing why. I can go on and on but this suffices for now. Deo gratias!

[@ICSPublications]

God bless you, Jim!

[@amyc8254]

God bless you father n thanks

[@julioleal175]

God bless you for this lesson.

[@jackomahony9896]

St thereseyou are the most wonderful saint . You are my teacher and my best friend. The way to God is so simple. Everything is a grace ,all the opportunities come i must recognise what they are and how to use them for the greater glory of God. Thankyou my sister my friend. Your little pupil .

[@SacredHeart3]

Thank you for such beautiful & helpful wisdom. Your insights & reflections have filled me with such peace & joy. Praise be to Our Lord for He is SO amazing 🙏🏻

[@estherkoh960]

❤

[@BCSTS]

This was a wonderful discussion....thank you both so much ! I have read & learned so much from the 3 books/saints you have covered here .......astounding spiritual insights from these Carmelite saints.....Time to revisit them due to my procrastinating/guilt/distractions that have kept me from daily prayer for almost a year now ! Dark night of the Soul, The Interior Castle, Story of a Soul all inspired me at a deep level years ago...Perhaps putting down my Samsung tablet, to spend time rereading some of the gems in these books will get me back on track to begin my days in prayer, The rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross et al ! There are some beautiful you tube sites also where I loved praying with others...eg. St. Faustina's Way of the Cross....using video of beautiful sculptures/readings from her Diary at Stockbridge Massachuttes Divine Mercy Center !

[@claudiabettina]

Thank you so much. These are some things I've been experiencing over many years and I am consoled that I am not inept in my prayer. 😊

[@kathleenknight1852]

That was so interesting, And very helpful to me.God Bless you

[@slowcarbgirl9627]

Such wisdom!🎉❤

[@marikajmj4935]

Thank you very much. Found this video very helpful. God Bless you both.

[@drumbri]

EXCELLENT subject. Thank you for real solutions.

[@user-xz8wc9uc1n]

This is beautiful. Thank you both so much.

[@sweetpea751]

Amen. Lord I love you.❤

[@DigitalLogos]

Fantastic talk. God bless you