Summary: In this episode of The Real+True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock explore part four of the Catechism, focusing on Christian prayer and its roots in the Old Testament. They discuss prayer and Scripture and how the gradual revelation of God in the Old Testament can deepen our prayer life. Key figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the prophets are highlighted, showcasing each one’s example that contributes to God’s revelation of prayer and our relationship with God. The episode also covers the role of the Psalms as a 'school of prayer' and delves into the dynamics of praying within the Holy Trinity. The episode concludes with practical insights and advice for using Scripture effectively in catechesis and evangelization. 

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction and Mission
Emily and Edmund introduce the podcast, sharing their excitement about exploring the Catechism, particularly focusing on the section on Christian prayer. They aim to equip listeners with insights for using the Catechism for evangelization and catechesis on prayer, specifically using Scripture. Edmund outlines that the current unit emphasizes prayer in both the Old and New Testaments, pointing to God’s invitation to a covenant relationship through prayer. 

01:23 Personal Stories of Prayer
Edmund and Emily share personal stories of how prayer and Scripture have impacted their spiritual lives. Emily recounts a profound experience in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that opened her eyes to the enduring mercy of God, while Edmund shares a touching moment where he sensed God's affirming voice during a difficult time.

06:29 Understanding God's Voice
Emily elaborates on how people often struggle to recognize God’s voice in their lives, stressing the importance of engaging with Scripture as a way to become familiar with it. They discuss the significance of hearing and reading Scripture, both personally and communally, for understanding and maintaining a relationship with God.

09:27 Catechism Insights on Prayer
Edmund and Emily discuss the catechism’s breakdown of prayer through various figures in the Old Testament. Starting with Creation and Adam and Eve, moving through Abraham’s faith, Moses’ intercession, David’s prayer in the presence of God, and the prophets' calls for conversion, they emphasize the gradual revelation of God’s relationship with His people.

19:09 The Depth and Beauty of the Psalms
The hosts express their admiration for the Psalms, highlighting Pope Benedict’s description of them as a school of prayer. They discuss how the Psalms encompass all five expressions of prayer and serve as a foundational model for both personal and communal prayer practices.

21:10 Jesus: The Fulfillment of Prayer
Emily and Edmund describe Jesus as the culmination and fulfillment of all Old Testament examples of prayer, providing the perfect model of prayer and relationship with God. They emphasize the importance of praying through Jesus to the Father in the Holy Spirit, explaining how the Holy Spirit aids and perfects our prayer.

26:48 Practical Tips for Incorporating Scripture and Prayer
They offer practical advice on teaching and integrating Scripture and prayer, suggesting the use of the Catechism’s structure for understanding the story of salvation. They stress the importance of embodying and speaking God's word naturally in catechesis and evangelization.

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