The Real + True Podcast

What the Catechism says about building a prayer life

OSV Podcasts

Episode Description: 
In this first episode of Season 4 of The Real + True Podcast, co-hosts Edmund Mitchell and Emily Mentock dive into the fourth pillar of the Catechism: Christian Prayer. They explore how prayer is the heart of the Christian life and not just something we do, but a personal relationship with God Himself. Throughout this episode, Edmund and Emily share personal stories about their evolving understanding of prayer and how it transformed their relationship with God from mere intellectual pursuit or cultural practice into a fulfilling life of prayer. They also discuss practical insights for ministry based on the catechism’s teaching about prayer, discovering how it fosters a relationship with God that touches every other aspect of the faith. Whether you’re new to prayer or have been praying for years, this episode will challenge and inspire you to view prayer in a new light and help you walk with others closer to Jesus through prayer. 

Show Notes

00:00 – Edmund and Emily dive into the fourth pillar of the Catechism: prayer. They share how their understanding of prayer evolved from routine recitations to a transformative, personal relationship with God. The conversation emphasizes that prayer is not just something we do, but the personal relationship with God itself.

10:59 – In this section, Edmund and Emily discuss how prayer is not just a dry routine, but a personal relationship with God. They emphasize that the Catechism teaches prayer as a gift. Prayer is unique to each person, shaped by how we naturally engage with God. They explain that true prayer comes from the heart, not just the mind, and how the Catechism emphasizes the heart as a place of encounter with God. Cultivating this heart-to-heart connection is key to deepening one’s relationship with God.

21:36 – The conversation turns to how spiritual awareness, particularly recognizing movements of the heart, can deepen prayer. Edmund and Emily highlight St. Ignatius of Loyola’s discernment of spirits and how prayer goes beyond emotion to a personal encounter with God. Edmund shares a personal story of how a seemingly ordinary moment became an answer to prayer, showing God’s care and involvement. The hosts emphasize that prayer is relational, and God desires to connect with us personally in our everyday lives, making even simple moments spiritually significant.

30:24 – In part of the podcast, Edmund and Emily discuss how true prayer comes from the heart, as seen in both spontaneous and recited prayers, which help deepen our connection with God. They encourage listeners to reflect on moments when prayer felt personal and to cultivate an awareness of their heart in prayer. This practice makes prayer more meaningful, transforming it into a genuine, heart-to-heart relationship with God.

40:16 – Wrapping up the podcast, Emily and Edmund emphasize the importance of sharing personal experiences of prayer to inspire others, whether as catechists or individuals living out their faith. They highlight the various expressions of prayer and encourage exploring different types to deepen one’s relationship with God. 

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