Day 328: How We Pray (Part 4 Intro w/ Sr. Miriam James Heidland) - The Catechism in a Year

This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
📖 Follow along with the official Catechism in a Year Reading Plan (AscensionPress...)
In this fourth and final pillar of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we learn how to take everything we’ve absorbed this year and apply it to our relationship with God through prayer. Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to talk about how to pray, some common obstacles to prayer, and some of the incredible fruits of prayer that await us if we put the next thirty-seven days of guidance into action.
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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[@kovenmoore9314]

All my Ancestorsix this bless God Jesus amen Alleluial

[@ValnarianKnight]

Please pray for me and my family. So much has been happening in the past few months, and everything always seems to happen right around holidays and vacation when we are hoping to rest.

[@ritasaar2208]

I sadly admit that I did not start taking the time for prayer until I retired. I prayed, but it wasn't a priority. I now make it a priority. The Cathechism in a year has been so helpful. Plus I am on my second year of the Bible in a year. I am sorry I waited so long to do this. Thank you Father Mike and Ascension Press for making these things available to us.

[@genevievekromer6404]

Me too❤

[@jdiane44]

Me too!

[@lolaweiss139]

Pp😮😅

[@lindafaulk9376]

Me too

[@txgrandma3]

We are in the same stage in life. My suggestion is that instead of regretting the past, be grateful to God that has brought you to this point because so many people never arrive here. I have really enjoyed this podcast so much & appreciate the time & effort that goes into it. I’m not sure what next year will bring but I know that the knowledge & understanding I have gained will enrich everything God calls me to do to serve Him in the time I have left on earth. Many blessings to each of you.

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

54:22 This isn't some joke or some kind of cosmic game God is playing with us. God loves us so much!

[@julieevery7468]

What great examples for us to follow in our prayer life. Thanks Father Mike and Sister Miriam for your faith and witness to us all.

[@andrewfitch3206]

Loved hearing the love of the Lord and the respect for each other in this discussion!!

[@Goodnews499]

Thank you Sister Mariam and thank you Fr Mike ,we are so grateful to you ,God bless you both

[@donnacheney5509]

Found myself in tears....

[@priscaalexander-cp5bz]

This talk was positively informative for me. I recall earlier in my early twenties I was going through a dryness in prayer. It's like God was not hearing or listening to me. I went to confession , I told the priest I had no zeal to pray.His wise words to me were don't stop praying. To date I am happy I took his advise. Now prayer is everything for me. To God be the glory I never stopped.

[@sgrieger_]

We should take our kids to Adoration!! 🥰🙌🙏 I've attempted several times with my 3 girls and even just for 10 minutes, to learn to be with the Lord, is so good!!!

[@17CW68fNv]

Thank you Fr Mike and Sister Miriam, for your wonderful insights on all the different aspects of prayer. Keeping you in prayer, May God Bless you. Claire.

[@blueanina1975]

i didn't make it this far last year, but i'm here today. thank you, Jesus! :) thanks for this video - i look forward to go through this last pillar and do the whole podcast over next year. God bless ascension and fr. mike! :)

[@AuroraB-74]

I'm listening to this for a second time because I've been struggling with prayer so much. I got so much out of this the first time but need a refresher. Thank you do much for this!

[@jamesedward9262]

The gentleman who wrote this pillar of the Catechism should be made a saint. But then again, all the writers could also be saints. I’d love to know more about these writers of the Catechism.

[@mom6boyzkillo497]

As a mother of six boys and a friend to Saint Monica… It occurs to me, especially within my vocal prayer (that can become contemplative…) When I’m praying the rosary… Contemplating our blessed mother‘s role in the life of Christ and in the life of all of us… That we cannot have the heart of mother Mary unless we also share in her suffering. We can never really understand the heart of love until our own hearts have kind of been broken open to receive, experience and participate in perfect love.

[@kenzychristy87]

How profound is Marriage where two will be one, this means that even in that one place in our heart the Lord wants with you, has the two now one in that space. Oh Lord through this space sharing in our hearts please strengthen the bonds of marriage in unity with the trinity. Amen

[@yvobalcer]

I thought I would listen for 15 to 20 minutes but I watched the entire program.

[@berthalamont8133]

Sister Miriam is a wonderful person, I was scrolling the internet in distress, looking for something to lift me up and Sister Miriam came up. I think it was God bringing her into my heart that day because my distress was so heavy and I knew no way out but to cry and pray but that day the calmness and serenity of Sister Miriam drew me out of myself and back to where I belonged and that was in the presence of God which at the time I knew nothing about. I thank Sister Miriam for all her podcasts and talks, keep going because you are saving souls and helping them as you helped me that day. May God Bless you abundantly for all you do.

[@yeseniamonroy5111]

Sister Miriam thank you for your 25 years of love ❤️ towards God!!!

[@pinkman-w2e]

Love Sr Miriam! Such a shame that the higher up in the church you go the worse the corruption gets. Our church would be transformed if our leaders were like some of the genuine souls we have such as Sr Miriam.

[@annelee3461]

Thank you Fr Mike and Sister Mariam 🙏 it has been very enlightening. God bless you 🙏

[@SuperSaiyanScandinavian]

I love you Fr. Mike!

[@twilleyyoung5099]

What an incredible day that this new widow needed to hear!

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

God's blessings and comfort to you ❤

[@mercymercy331]

Thank you both and may God keep bless you and your service for his kingdom!

[@sgrieger_]

Thank you Fr Mike and Sr Miriam!! And all at Ascension to make this podcast happen! Love being able to see this podcast and thankful that there's video on this app 🥰🙌 praying for you all, please pray for me 🙏💓💞🙏💗

[@TheCatechismInAYear]

Thank you for supporting Ascension, and for your very kind words! May God bless you 💛

[@peggybruening4415]

Oh happy heart❤ Two of my favorite people discussing Christ, prayer, relationship, we are so very blessed. Thank you!! Will be praying for everyone!

[@marybethmaino473]

Nice to meet you, Sister Miriam! Thank you to both of you on the best hour of my day! Appreciate you! So grateful for this community. God Bless!

[@tjf42193]

All of you people watching this please pray for a friend of mine her words exactly “I don't know if non-believer is the right word, I'm not affiliated with any particular religion, I'm probably agnostic right now, I do find value in the psychospiritual, maybe to say I'm questioning is more accurate.”

[@elesapowell3769]

Thank you Father Mike and Sister Miriam. God bless you!

[@lizpuett5777]

Learning to be a beloved child of God, not just a tolerated child, has changed my life.

[@lisegoett8295]

This is perhaps the most valuable discussion I have ever heard. and I listen to the both of you a lot. What an exchange. Thank you, Sr. Miriam and Fr. Mike, for the depth of this conversation. You are both such incredible gifts to anyone who has the great good fortune to find your podcasts. And you both have brains like speeding bullets. May God bless you.

[@realjoanna]

"You're not telling God something He doesn't know. You're giving Him access to something He doesn't have. " Profound ❤❤❤

[@marsharr2877]

I cannot fathom the depth of God’s love for us, but man-oh-man does it lighten and brighten my soul thinking about it and all that that love carries with it.

[@SuperRuthJ]

What a wonderful and blessed year we have been handed over by God! Thanks to Father Mike for his wonderful teachings! Thank you sister Miriam James we are also blessed to have you here in this final Pillar!❤️❤️🙏❤️

[@patreisinger142]

So good! God we give you praise and glory and thank you for all your gifts, including incredible teaching from Father Mike Schmitz and Sister Miriam James Heidland!

[@susanclemons116]

Thank you Father Mike and sister Miriam James. Just beautiful. You both have such a beautiful love for God. Thank you for sharing. God Bless

[@roystonfernandes8305]

Thank you Fr. Mike and Sr. Miriam for your intro insights on the 4th Pillar of Prayer. It is our personal and living relationship with Our Father who is infinitely good, with His Son Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit who dwells in their hearts. Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God. Prayer is a gift of God who comes to encounter us. So Lord, teach us to pray without ceasing. We know you love us despite our brokenness. Your mercy is endless because to desire you is the beginning of love.🙏

[@pamelablasko7601]

Two wonderful souls....Sister Miriam and Father Mike. I thank God for your hearts. ❤❤

[@lawrencegatti8283]

The final pillar! Sweet but also sad that we are coming to the conclusion.

[@holmesfamily80]

The conclusion, and yet just the beginning as we really begin to live it out!

[@ajhoops58]

Two faith filled individuals that can spark the faith in our young people.

[@pinkman-w2e]

Church leadership should take note, instead of trying to change 2000 years of dogma and gaslight us into believing heresy or worshiping idols!

[@joannehamel7766]

Fr. Mike and Sr.Miriam you have given me so much information on prayer even more then I have learned all these years. May God continue his love for you and for each and every single person listening to your words.

[@rachelrichard2805]

Oh my heavens , I just loved this opening for our last chapter in this season . How blest our we…. This is by far my favourite opening probably because of what I’m going through in my spiritual life in general. I would just like to add my own experience so I am a mother of 4 children and my last child is severely handicapped……can’t talk can’t walk and has epilepsy. This was a challenge because my children at the time were very young . I could deal with his handicapped but the epilepsy was a altogether different thing and still is to this day . Having to see your child go through this seeing him turn bleu and his beautiful face get all deformed, it’s very hard he is now 22 was supposed to die 3 times already . I prayed and did 9 days that became a year of prayer so his epilepsy would go away, but it never did ,however I know that if my son is not a unanswered prayer ,in time I understood that he is the one that brings me to Christ and one day I asked the lord to show me why he would not answer me in this prayer and 2 years later he did just that . I did not get angry I accepted the way the lord wanted me to live with my son . Thank you both for this beautiful talk xxxxGod bless xxxx

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

Thank you for your touching story. God bless

[@lanceglassgow3761]

Wow these are two superstars for Jesus.

[@jenb2109]

I love this intro leading into the fourth pillar. Thank you Father Mike, and Sister Miriam. Decades ago, at a Chicago Catechumenal Conference, one brilliant speaker (among many) shared a story about a mother whose restless child could not sleep. When she asked her son what was bothering him, he shared that he felt shame and discomfort by the picture of Jesus, that adorned his bedroom wall, appeared to be glaring at him. His mother said softly and reassuringly that, Jesus is not judging you my dear, He is staring at you because He loves you so much that He cannot keep His eyes off of you! We are beloved sons and daughters of Our Creator and are so very blessed.

[@LDP-33]

Thank you Fr Mike n Sr. Miriam a truly enlightening talk today. Not to just “ say your prays” but “ how to pray” n yes how much Jesus loves each one of us no matter what! God bless both of you and everyone.

[@merelychristian8325]

Love Sr. Miriam! Praying for everyone as we embark on this last pillar 🤍

[@marsharr2877]

Sr Miriam’s life story is amazing!

[@embeesl4y3r]

hey, you're here! miss your videos and can't wait to see your next one

[@georgegarsea4404]

What an amazing blessing Fr. Mike and sister Miriam are to me. Thank you thank you thank you. Good bless you both.

[@galas455]

You two are really deep, but I followed you through most of it. Prayer and following the teachings of the Catechism can be a bit painful so I guess I pray that God will give me the grace to. . . . I guess I feel a bit overwhelmed by your (both of you) intellect and dedication to the faith.

[@patriciaasedegbeganieto1493]

It's amazing that we have so much to learn, at least, I do. That I can grow and grow in my relationship with God until He calls me.

[@Love_Divine]

Amen. ❤

[@sallyb5076]

Thank you Father and Sister….such a blessing

[@marthablanchard7860]

I have loved all parts of Catechism in a Year but this introduction to “How We Pray” was what I needed to hear!! It really touched my heart and wish too that it would have been at the beginning of CIAY!! Beginning or end…..I have learned soooo much from listening to this introduction to “How We Pray!” Thank you both so much!!!

[@sue_kalnasy]

This conversation was so beautiful! Thank you Sr. Miriam and Fr. Mike for sharing your hearts with us.

[@wreloise1]

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬

[@MarilynBoussaid-yd1vk]

Thank you for this beautiful passage from Hebrews, one of my very favorite books of the Bible. Maybe because I'm a Jewish convert to the Catholic Faith, I feel like it's addressed to me. God bless!

[@TriciaMalikebu]

Thank you Fr Mike & Sr Miriam for this moment. Wow& your voice Sr, always feels as if in prayer. What a blessing

[@stooch66]

When I have fallen, I often feel that because I have potentially cut myself off from God, I can’t pray. He is not listening and I cannot hear him. I know that is probably wrong…but, a fall always hurts my prayer life…and I know that is what the evil one wants… God bless everyone. Pray for each other!

[@IslandSteph]

I think after we fall is when God is most eager to hear from us.

[@R_Thomp]

Thank you Father and Sister

[@socorrocervantes9363]

Pray for each other faithfully and unceasingly for God's forgiveness and healing of our sinfulness. Thank you Fr Mike and Sister Miriam James for being our prayer warriors and all your Godly works spreading the Gospel. To God be the glory. Amen.

[@joelbeauchamp6687]

Wow, her voice has such a soothing effect.

[@rosalindwilson1888]

Thank you fr. Mike and sister Miriam for this wonderful podcast. In the last few minutes especially minute 45 upward was so touching it brought tears to my eyes. I went through a crisis in the family that needed us to remain rooted in prayer and while many were losing hope, trust in god's word brought that love of the father for his children to my heart. The CCC has been a great source of strength to me. I know the remaining few days will strengthen me in prayer and help me grow. Thank you fr.

[@MB-fw5ut]

Was reading the comments and seeing reports of tears. Well, sure enough, by the end, moist eyes here. So many feelings. Wondering if I missed the call to the religious life years ago. Never married, no kids, now 68, female. Once overheard my mother tell someone, "She's really deeply religious." Didn't feel drawn to Sisters of St. Joseph, who taught me, but wish I'd been brave enough to explore other orders. I think I feared leaving the secular trappings I knew and lived among. Probably thought I needed to keep earning. In any case, a very good talk. I wish the Catechism was known more widely, and I sure wish I'd read it in full earlier in life (unlikely without Fr. Mike, though). Bought it many years ago but just paged through it now and then. I find it amazingly coherent and cohesive. Thank you to all who create this podcast.

[@janetanderson9421]

What a beautiful conversation. Thank you.

[@michaelrybicki-fw3hj]

Speaking of Prayer while I was praying I heard these words the cost of love is free but to recieve Love is priceless.

[@susanbourke1655]

What an insight, We can only start to love when we allow ourselves to be loved by God first. ❤

[@jeanneoconnell4134]

This is so beautifully and eloquently expressed. Our communications with God speaks openly our hearts. Thank you for reaffirming the importance of this Pillar of our Church.

[@gailwedgeworth7517]

Thanks so much... I spent a long time in my life thinking my circumstances were so difficult and no one could ever fix them, but the prayer of Mary untying the knots, helped me to realize that God was always working my problems, Mary's prayers were untying the knots of my life, one, by one, by one, and Jesus was knitting me back together. It was a beautiful image. Nothing is beyond God's ability if we only let him have our knotted lives. :)

[@rm-paradise]

Father, may everything that I do this day, whether it be full of joy or pain, whether it be full of love or of grief, I ask that everything I go through today be offered to you just like Jesus offered everything to you. It is in his name we pray. Amen. 11/24/2023.

[@Love_Divine]

Amen ❤. So beautifully said. May I borrow your quote from this day forward?

[@rm-paradise]

@@Love_Divine Of course! Glad you enjoyed it and received grace from the Lord. 11/25/2023

[@Love_Divine]

@@rm-paradise ❤️ tQ

[@denisegealer]

Two of the most inspiring people I have ever heard- together?? What a blessing! A double blessing!

[@nancylanigan3924]

Thank you! God Bless! Prayers!

[@kristycopelandlove]

Wow. This hit me hard. I’m not following along with the catechism in a year yet but will Jan1 2024. I love you Father Mike for bringing my faith to me. I wept while listening to this. So much truth. Realizing how much I have failed. But God still loves me. Thank you !!!RIM, solitude and connection, it matters to God whether or not I show up to mass, do we love the gifts or the Giver, giving God permission to love us. I have been wrestling with prayer and how to do it for years. This opened up my heart. Thank you.

[@carolannallen4286]

Thank you Father Mike and Sister Miriam. You are a blessing to us Please pray for us as we pray for you as you spread His Word and His Love

[@lindyredmond9838]

Two such wonderful religious souls who can ignite the flame of faith in our souls. Thank you for saying your FIAT to God so you can teach all of us. You are our inspiration

[@tsr3779]

Pure joy and faith that the two of you bring to my morning! ❤🙏❤️

[@jans1675]

Thank you Fr. Mike and Sister Miriam. To be completely honest when I saw Sister Miriam was going to here to do this introduction to the last pillar of the Catechism I was temped not to listen to it. Not because that I don’t like Sister Miriam but because every time I listen to her words of wisdom I cry. It is hard enough listening to Fr. Mike without crying. I am glad I did listen to this podcast. May God bless and guide you both always. I I carry everyone of you who is walking this journey to find out what the Catholic Church teaches in my thoughts, prayers, and heart daily. May God bless all of us as we take the next step in learning how much God loves each of us. May God gives all we need to continue to push play.

[@Elmaestrope]

Thank you Father Mike and Sr. Miriam James. We are happy to have you on this final pillar. God bless❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏😇😇😇

[@artist1758]

Lord, we pray for the homeless, drug addicts, and mentally sick. Amen.

[@jlopez840611]

Blessed to see what others can't, even in this half blindness I believe God's Grace has alowed me to see and understand much when in prayer, I pray to God to please water my dryness in prayer, especially when i may not know it is dry, but I also pray for many others that may not believe prayer is like the watering of our Souls that keep us alive in Jesús Christ.

[@lizmcdavid1506]

Thank you Fr. Mike and Sr, Miriam.I love what you told us, and I look forward to learning more from Pillar 4. God bless you both.

[@daniellawo]

Amazing teaching! Thank you so much. Beautiful every word touch my heart. God bless you Father Mike and Sister Miriam James

[@darmat6288]

The Catechism is beautifully written.

[@virginiamadrid3464]

I was bawling 😭 listening to this…thank you Father Mike and Sister Miriam..God bless you both .

[@56Tyskie]

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world. 🙏♥️✝️

[@dianefrank3688]

Amen! Such a perfect prayer that we all need of God's Mercy.❤‍🔥🙏

[@StAlphonsusHasAPosse]

❤

[@declancronin437]

God bless you both in your ministry. Thomas Merton was once asked "how can I improve my prayer life" and his response was "take the time" Jesus waits for us in the silence of the tabernacle. Ave Maria 🙏

[@katemelton4812]

Wow. There is still hope for me. Thank you for sharing your joy and revelations

[@sharonhassett9684]

This has been a Huge Blessing, Thank You Sister Miriam, & Fr. Mike for your hearts of Jesus & His Truths!

[@merryweat9547]

God loves us so greatly! Thank you. This was a beautiful prep. I can't wait to dive in...

[@francisrodrigues4615]

Thank You Fr. Mike and Sr. Miriam for making me aware of R I M - Relationship Identity Mission. Solitude with Him Vs Living in my Community. Giving Him access. Difference between 'saying' prayers and praying. Praying - when His and my heart merge with Love and so much more looking fwd to Pillar 4.

[@sharonseaver4119]

It may be 57 minutes long, but it’s one of the best 57 minute. Fascinating and inspiring. 😊

[@IreneuszCzech]

👍👋

[@chavelasalas9151]

Amen amen thanks be to God. Prayers Father Mike amen

[@Elizabeth-mp6tr]

How can I thank you both enough! Bless you!

[@malorenaperez4099]

So beautiful. Thank you Father Mike and Sister Miriam!

[@meanchoolee5845]

Thank you Father Mike and Sister Miriam

[@keendog91]

I am breathless. Thank God for these episodes.

[@artorefalnera3055]

Fr. Thank you ❤. Sr. thank you for sharing your faith journey. Praying for you two, for the Ascension team and for all my CIY brothers and sisters. God bless ❤🙏

[@dianefrank3688]

❤🙏

[@artorefalnera3055]

@@dianefrank3688 ❤🙏

[@carolradlinger8661]

Sr.Miriam, what a beautiful and holy person you are, I could feel your holiness come across to me, that really encourages me to keep on growing in my relationship with God ❤

[@kovenmoore9314]

No weapon informed against anybody.That cares about me and glory and honer to God

[@gerrymccarthy9568]

This is truly deep, profound and wonderful. I ache for Him. Holy Mass, only there do I find complete fulfilment. It overpowers me. There I am speechless. Praying after receiving Him. I have no words to express my gratitude. Very frustrating. But enchanting. He possesses me, He who is All Powerful, all love, humiliates Himself to come to me. Daily mass, daily Rosary. After receiving Him, stay with him. If at all possible, STAY!

[@carolynalameida709]

Thank you!!

[@143mschrag]

This is so Beautifully Profound. Thanks be to God forever ❣️ I much appreciate you Fr. Mike, Sr. Miriam, and Ascension. As always, I am praying for all of you. God Bless 🙏🏻

[@jenniferscoon8687]

"God Is, who He says He Is" The Great I Am: beautiful, good, Child of God Scripture replete with Heart Language Fr Mike and Sister Miriam my heart is pounding❤

[@KolokaiKalai]

Thankyou Fr.Mike and Sr.Miriam and all in the Ascension team..Blessings and prayers for you 🙏 ❤ all.

[@dianefrank3688]

❤🙏

[@marianmilne6009]

Loved listening to this again. Thank you both so much. Praying for you and everyone here. God bless🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻