Fr. Mike’s Prayer for Beginners

Whether you're cultivating a life of prayer with Jesus for the first time or you're trying to reignite that fire in your soul, the breadth of prayer advice can be dizzyingly overwhelming.
If you're open to it, today, Fr. Mike has one more prayer to try out: T-A-R.
1. Tell the Lord what's on your heart
2. Ask him for what you need
3. Rely on the Lord to answer your prayer
It might seem simple, but it might change your prayer life forever.
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[@ElaineEC]

My husband & I were non practicing Catholics for over 40 years. Last month he texted me the Hallow app so we could compete in the Daily Quiz. Slowly I began to poke around the app - just looking. But the more I looked and listened to Father Mike, the more my mind & heart opened to God. One day I told my husband, “I want God in my life. I want to walk with Jesus. And I want to go to confession and Mass.” “I thought you’d never ask,” he said. Thank you God for working through Father Mike. I foolishly gave up on you for so many years, but you never gave up on me. Thank you.

[@teresaleporati7574]

Welcome home!!! 🙏❤️🕊❤️🙏

[@michellecrossley9151]

This is beautiful!

[@jessicaj8148]

That is so sweet.

[@dherd]

Awesome!!

[@matthewpoerschmann1373]

Bless you ❤️

[@AlexWalford-jm3mg]

I have a good prayer that I just made up: I repent all the sins that I have ever committed, big or small, even those that I have already repented, for the devil is nothing but lies and sadness. I seek to live an eternity with you, Christ Jesus, an eternity filled with love and happiness. I seek to be forgiven of all my sins so I may be made new again, body and soul, in resurrection of the dead and the second coming of Christ, which I await hopefully.

[@sandraoconnor2583]

I thank God for Fr. Mike to clearly explain TAR, Amen

[@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.”

[@teresaromero7034]

Sometimes, the only thing I can say is, “Jesus, I love you. I love you with all my heart and all my soul. “

[@adama5363]

Forgive me father for I am sometimes dry in prayer. Please nourish my prayer life❤

[@AlexanderBrown77]

🩸all🩸 1 John 1 kJV 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ✝️ The gospel of your salvation 🩸 Ephesians 1 kJV 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 kJV 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

[@gvh4168]

@@AlexanderBrown77 WoW and I thank you for your generous reply and Gospel references!! I read and re-read coz those passages are speaking TO ME😊 God knows I want a deeper relationship w/the Holy Trinity. As a returning Catholic, I truly have faith in Him. Yet I am wobbly and doubtful sometimes. I think the devil is trying to take me back. It is a daily fight we must face everyday, to avoid transgression and listen to God. Thx again, friend

[@AlexanderBrown77]

@@gvh4168 ♥️ have a wonderful day. 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

[@gvh4168]

@@AlexanderBrown77 You seem to know the right thing to say! Amen

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi Dr Mike great job I have a question I only remember the Lord's prayer I don't remember the other ones can you please help me I read and pray every day I read the Bible every morning thanks✝️❤️🙏

[@karenrich9092]

My daughter joined a Catholic computer dating service and unfortunately found some really awful guys. I told her she would find the right one someday. Finally, she asked God, "If I'm supposed to be married, show me the man I'm supposed to marry. If I'm not supposed to be married, show me what I should do with my life." She met a wonderful man, they've been married for almost 4 years and he is almost like another son for me. So, this T.A.R. routine really works.

[@henok.l4202]

That is beautiful

[@petrablack2750]

TAR............. the process of going to confession: TELL God ASK for forgiveness RELY on God Amen.....pray

[@christopherbeehler7098]

Fr. Mike, I am continually impressed by your charisma and how you use it to minister to us. I’m praying for you; please pray for me. Thanks be to God for you reaching out to us. It makes a difference.

[@ritahamscher9324]

I went to Eucharistic Adoration 2 days ago. First I prayed the prayer before the cross. Then I told Him how wonderful it was to be with Him. And thanked Him for everything in my life. Then I asked Him to just talk to me. Of course I couldn’t hear His voice so I would just say little things then tell myself to be still. The next day I awoke with a few prayers and started about my day, which is being lazy and playing games on my phone. I knew I had things to do but started ignoring them. Until I felt this gentle, loving prodding and without a thought went and cleaned the dishes and counter tops. The whole day went like that. For the first time in ages I could feel His presence. Going back tonight for more “talk”🥰🙏

[@boom-bm1kl]

Every time I go to confession I become a beginner. I go to confession... a lot, 😬

[@boom-bm1kl]

@@Call_Upon_YAH you realize in that same breath by quoting your kjv, you're admitting there's multiple bibles. Also, the kjv came from the first Catholic bible. You know, the bible that the holy Spirit guided the writers and the Catholic Church that put the bible together. But, I guess Luther knew better than the Holy Spirit when he decided to remove books and add at least one word and by doing so made the kjv contradict itself. The bible can't contradict itself, the problem is, Luther's does. Hope that helps

[@TheFaceSoap]

​@@Call_Upon_YAHye that be self-righteous, quitteth ye posthaste with thine ridiculous copypasta!

[@LoriBothwell]

Have you heard of the term beginners mind where you come from a place of humility and with fresh eyes? That’s a beautiful thing! 👏

[@bethanne558cooke7]

Can you pray to relatives that have passed?

[@boom-bm1kl]

@@bethanne558cooke7 don't quote me but I believe I remember father Chris saying you can, but it's better to pray for them because none of us know if our relatives made it for sure. He said, it's better to pray to Mary and the saints for their intercession and of course to Jesus as well

[@user-kg1zv5xb1m]

Father Mike.. you’re the best! Thank you for such clarity ✝️🙏🏻🌹

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

Pray the Rosary daily. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

[@bambeeqgc3586]

Lord help me.say 3 full hail Mary properly

[@jaqian]

​@@bambeeqgc3586Say them any way you can, it's the effort that's important. Before you know it you'll be saying the rosary daily. Don't worry about perfection, Our Lady will take them and make them perfect and present them to Our Lord.

[@tessietesoro7407]

Am a senior, have all free time to say prayer everyday, especially the rosary. Offering it for peace in the world, peace in families, for hostilities to end, for all good intentions of humanity.

[@vgraham580]

I struggle deeply with prayer. Thank you very much, Fr. Mike Schmitz!

[@lucymartinez6910]

We can also direct our thoughts to God. You know how we all have our own thoughts in our head? Well I usually direct my thoughts to God and it helps 😊

[@Buddhist_Way77]

I was recently gifted a blessed miraculous medal by a friend, my prayer life has been transformed…🙏🏻

[@tired2993]

Hey all, could you please pray for me, I’m filled with stress right now and, I haven’t been able to go to church for the past couple of years and I really want to come back. Thank you all and may God bless you. 🫶🫶

[@forevercatholic243]

God bless you, Father. I needed this today.

[@andreafray7076]

Commit your ways to the Lord,put your trust in Him,and let Him act.plsm 37

[@Bigchilezlife]

Prayer is the one thing that gives me hope because I’m clinging on to hope 😔 there’s someone who I will never give up on. Jesus I trust in you ❤ And 1st also!

[@leazy1618]

I just talk to God - over the years it's a relationship that has deepened and very personal between me and my creator. God is such a patient listener. Even when I was a little girl in a difficult childhood I was aware of something bigger out there I could turn to, that always gave me hope that the bad stuff would not last. God is my constant companion. My conversations with God can be about deeper stuff and sometimes me going 'seriously God!?' about something like a blocked drain. I can almost hear him replying 'yep seriously Leazy - time to call your kvetchy landlord and his magic plumbing rods.' Without God what am I? He gave me life.

[@AussieBenita]

@leazy1618 Thanks for the smile you gave me. *That* is a beautiful relationship you and God share. 🌻Keep it up😁

[@purnimadmello2990]

'Tell, Ask and Rely on the Lord'. Thank you and God Bless you Fr. Mike for another great video.

[@pat9577]

Fr Mike = Insightful + funny - I like it!! 😊

[@nickrichards6763]

You are speaking to my heart so much on this as I have for weeks now felt like I am lost and failing at something as simple as having an honest conversation with God. Thank you for this. Very timely. I think it’s a sign :)

[@avaryserpa]

God is truly working in your life ❤

[@user-pb7pn3bh4y]

Father Mike would you give us your blessing at the end of your talk? It’ so powerful and helps get me through the day! There I just practiced T- A- R.

[@Willandpetesmom]

God help me to pry better, to love you better and to follow you better. I do love you, honor you, trust you, respect and praise you. Please make me better for in your imagine I strive to be more like you. Please be here for me. Your gift of salvation is the most unexpected gift, thank you so much. Lead me please.

[@janetandrews1306]

Thanks Father Mike.

[@MidwestGirl]

Thank you Father Mike for sharing this message with us today.

[@kb-it7yx]

Thank you so much Father Mike. After finding you here and the Bible In A Year I have been coming back to faith. The Lord sent me to find you and it is making a tremendous difference in my life and my family.

[@meihui7767]

Amen

[@eugeniah25]

I ❤this video, I agree with you Father, communication is the key in relationships so yes I talk to God, Jesus and Virgin Mary all the time❤️

[@mschmidt1645]

Thank you for this video, Fr. Mike. I struggle so much with prayer, always wondering if I’m doing it right or spending enough time with it. I always feel like I’m falling short. 🙏✝️ 🛐

[@carolannnoble3981]

Wow! Great, easy, user-friendly TAR. We rely on Papa’s loving character to do what’s in our ultimate interest. Amen!

[@AlexanderBrown77]

🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 2 Thessalonians 1 kJV 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; ✝️ The gospel of your salvation 🩸 Ephesians 1 kJV 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ✝️ gospel 🩸 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 kJV 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ♥️know♥️ 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

[@dbrous661]

Thank you Fr. Mike! This will help to organize my thoughts in prayer for sure.

[@sanfordberg4880]

TAR, I believe, will help fill the potholes in life.

[@jaqian]

😂

[@RenitaSiqueira]

St. Padre Pio's version is 'Pray, hope and do not worry.' :)

[@Mark-bc3lb]

Fr. Mike this is so helpful. I’ve felt like I’ve hit a wall in my spiritual life and things feel difficult right now in praying. With this reminder of the basics, I think I can restart and will grow closer to Him.😊

[@niceman7041]

I prayed for you to God. In my infancy of faith you have taught me a lot I thank you

[@exbiscotti]

Perfectly clear and simple! TAR=Tell-Ask-Rely!! That works!

[@bernadettemchugh4861]

Father thank you love listening to your videos Amen God is good all the time Amen all the time God is good Amen thank you Lord Jesus Amen ❤ 🎉

[@bernadettemchugh4861]

I well light a candle for you Father Thank you 🎉

[@gebrumamooshgirmay4514]

I am in Ethiopia and I want to keep Injera in Ethiopia 🦁 and Waha or Water in my Land Of The Lion Of Judah 🦁! I LOVE YOU My CATHOLIC GOD and Villanova Preparatory High School 🦁🎸⚽️⛪️!

[@msFilomena1]

Thank you Fr. Mike

[@madams.5976]

So many wonderful prayers on You Tube by the Catholic Crusade. Sometimes you can just speak to Him like a friend. Be honest even if it’s just disjointed and raw. It’s humble and honest. It needn’t be complicated. I always thought it had to be formal and complicated, not so.

[@MoonlightNothing]

Father Mike. I could use some corn bread right now, so thanks for your. Corny joke, it's not so corny. TAR!

[@Wardcreek]

Boy do I rely on your wisdom!

[@reginaclaire4680]

i cant look at you without laughing! you are literally laughing behind your eyes when you preach lol. you crack me up.

[@martyvestal1222]

His smile lights up my screen!!!

[@peppy619]

I needed this so badly, God-sent! Thank you, padre

[@tammydugas9527]

Ask, seek, knock.

[@elizabethlumpkin9939]

Thanks!

[@truthwarrior7826]

Anyone here struggle with the guilt of waiting too long for having kids only to find out it was too late now? Too scared in our younger years and too late in our 30s because nothing happened. We are in our 50s. She’s ok with it and I’m riddled with guilt at times. Is that something I will be severely judged with when I pass over? I’m not Catholic but I am Christian. I could kick my own head in for my being too scared back in my 20s. Anyone else pass on kids only to be tormented later in life with guilt and regret?? I need a link, advice or a group online I can join with others who are plagued with guilt and remorse. Is my choice back then a decision that will be a sentence for me? I’ve repented now for years. When I see old home videos of her family that is when the burden hits like a tractor trailer. They never became grandparents. Yeah….I did that to them!

[@jaqian]

God knows your pain and your struggles. Have you been to confession? It might help with the pain.

[@bernadettemchugh4861]

Father thank you . Amen God is good all the time Amen all the time God is good Amen thank you Lord Jesus Amen ❤🎉

[@supernaught6733]

Good message, but I would add another "R" on the end of TAR. The additional"R" is for "Receive.". Receive what you have asked for in advance of manifestation, and praise God for it, and watch it manifest.😊

[@karenjohnson5634]

That’s cool!!!! I like that!

[@ks7343]

So super, Fr. Mike! This is really really helpful! Thank you for your great guidance! Praying for you every day!

[@AlexanderBrown77]

🩸all🩸 1 John 1 kJV 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

[@gainsofglory6414]

Can you do a deeper dive on what "rely on God" means? Rely on what? How do you know you are relying on the correct thing? We still have to act. Its not like we say we are relying on him and the sit there motionless for hours or days until god takes over control of our faculties and bodies and does what we needed for us. So while we are engaged in the relevant action, how do you distinguish what you are reliant on versus what action you supplying yourself and do so accurately? Even if you achieve what you asked for, how do you know your prayer had any impact? What if you were just capable all along and you just did the action yourself? We obviously don't want to take credit for things god provides, but we also don't want to see god in things he isn't doing, as we might miss what he actually intended. So how do you determine what actually to rely on and not what you think god means?

[@17CW68fNv]

It's not corny, Fr Mike, it's useful to have a way to remember to pray. Thank you. God bless. Claire.

[@Libertoso]

This is what I usually do, but I add an extra T somewhere, meaning to give thanks for whatever I'm experiencing

[@danielojeda3965]

Thank you so much for that, that thanks is very helpful

[@dawnlapka3782]

Thanks Father. I think that prayer formula is for seasoned prayer warriors too. Keep it simple

[@roxanaconception]

Father Mike is just soo uplifting with a contagious personality😊 God Bless

[@ruthortega5822]

I have to always remember the Our Father because it says it all. Your will be done. That's it. I talk to The Blessed Holy Trinity daily and pray the He will take care of everything 🙏.

[@DaddySantaClaus]

all I ask is to be shown the right path to walk, I will walk it myself, and I will trust the Lord, for the Lord is my rock.

[@tbilod]

God put us on this earth to grow. When asking God how to master the obstacles in your way, first ask Him what He would like you to do.

[@mariecory9451]

Father Mike you make my day ❤️🙏

[@keith4276]

I'd like to give witness here, sorry if this ends up a tad long. I hit a dry patch in my prayers for the last few days and this morning I started feeling an almost irresistible urge to give in to a sin that I struggled with for years. Determined to fight, I prayed a rosary, asking for help. The pull was getting stronger when I was drawn to my statue of St Michael which holds my St Michael Chaplet. I embraced that chaplet and prayed the Chaplet to St Michael, begging for help with everything I had. By the end, that urge to sin was gone and I felt a Joy filling me and a love that defies mere words. How I wish everyone could feel that.

[@cnssdust]

Make it a sweet TART and throw some Thanksgiving at the end.

[@danielojeda3965]

I love that suggestion thank you!

[@janetgarwood3448]

Thank You. father Mike You always make things so simple God Bless You 🙏

[@fsnicolas]

Thank you for this, Fr. Mike. This helped me today.

[@hector3827]

Thank you so much, for being an Apostle through the internet 🙏

[@peggybruening4415]

❤

[@oonwing]

Thank you Father.... Amen

[@Bilbo12]

GOD IS LIFE

[@emilym8571]

Dear God, I welcome the gift of this day. Incline my heart and my every step toward that which pleases you. Send me to be a blessing to someone, somewhere, somehow. And may I see the face of Jesus in the people I meet. Amen❣ If God is your copilot switch seats.

[@Riawyn]

Messages from you brighten my day. God bless you Fr.

[@tommaxwell429]

I am not the best at prayer, I will embarrassingly admit. My mind tends to wander a bit and I have trouble staying focused. I am working on it. I will just add that I always like to start out my prayers with thanks to God for what I have received from Him and for His unconditional love for me. Giving thanks for what we do have, gives God the glory and praise that He deserves and helps us keep our concerns in proper perspective. If we are fortunate enough to have food, clothing, shelter, and His love, we are already blessed.

[@nanarodriguez1854]

Thank you, Father Mike...love it!! ❤

[@cdmc965]

Thank you so much

[@Mary-gu6kp]

Thanks for this

[@marianmilne6009]

Thank you Fr Mike. God bless🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@wonderwoman6232]

I really needed this.

[@davidmorton2780]

I love the corn bread and I love and pray for Father Mike. You’re the best, well next to my priest Father Aaron Junge. God bless you both. Thank you.

[@agnieszkaa.8341]

Thank you Fr. Mike. The ultimatum goal is resurrection and many of us know that. We are however so afraid of the journey that gets us there. The hursts, falls, failures. So, it is often difficult to allow the idea that God always has a “happy end” for us, take over the terrifying “now”. Yet, without this “now” we can’t get to the “happy end”. God knows this and that is why He gives us bearers of the Good News like you. May the Holy Spirit continue to infuse you with His wisdom.

[@deb776]

I so loved this video. A great jumpstart for my prayer.

[@helenjensen3729]

Finally, I know where to start. As a beginner in praying I did not know how it was possible for the "pros" to spend several hours praying, but after watching this, I better understand it. Thank you father Mike!

[@AlexanderBrown77]

♥️know♥️ 1 John 5 kJV 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. ✝️ The gospel of your salvation 🩸 Ephesians 1 kJV 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 🩸all🩸 1 John 1 kJV 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Romans 3 kJV 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

[@annemariemcgowan9273]

Love from Scotland ❤ Thanks Father Mike x

[@carolseven3802]

I needed this today. Thank you

[@Dreamwarrior0802]

This was very helpful father thank you. Still struggle in my weakness, sometimes I think I’m afraid to expose myself this much to the Lord. 🥺🙏🏼❤️‍🔥

[@oldbastard2149]

Good Video Father Mike. Get back to the basics...TAR. 😊👍

[@lisac5844]

Fr. Mike~Thank you so very much for this message. It’s a time in my life that this reminder is so very needed. You remain in my prayers. God Bless!

[@elizabethanthony9150]

Thank you Father Mike..FOR I needs MY LORD GUIDANCE TO PRAY

[@yuhannateofilos130]

I hope I can learn to pray someday...

[@frostmaiden85]

God bless you, Father Mike 🙏

[@aishwaryar6468]

Hi Fr. Mike ❤ thanks for TAR😊😊

[@everetunknown5890]

Nice acronym 👍

[@btan1453]

Thank you, Father for this TAR formula. God bless

[@thefoodforthesoul]

Thank you Father for this message.🙏

[@danielprzywara3290]

Praise (God), Repent, Ask, & Yield (to his will), Brought to you by Bobby Woods, a southern Baptist pastor from Columbus Georgia 30 years ago. Not me a gracious convert 26 years ago!

[@jaqian]

or PAL (Pray, Ask, Listen)

[@conniecline201]

That’s so cool I like it

[@onemore5952]

When I struggle with pray I think of pizza and golf, then all becomes great.

[@christianmorq2711]

No way!! My friend Daniel told me about this! The Holy Spirit at work

[@chrisnorcutt9060]

What Father Is Absolutely Right ❤

[@PC-mz5su]

Great video! Thank you Father!

[@ozg948]

Amen amen. God is good 🙏🏽