S12 E07: Heart to Heart Prayer
About This Episode
In this episode, we dive into the power of prayer. Prayer is the language we use to talk to God, the Lover of our souls. Many times, it can be easy to approach prayer haphazardly, forgetting that we are meant for intimacy and speaking heart to heart with each Person of the Trinity. When we remember that prayer is really about two hearts connecting, our prayer can be transformed. Join us as we share about our prayer lives and how the different seasons of our lives have changed how we pray.
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Show Notes
One Thing We Love This Week
Sister Miriam’s one thing - Magnificat Magazine
Heather’s one thing - Picture Bible
Heather’s other one thing - Soaking Worship Instrumental Spotify Playlist
Michelle’s one thing - Jesus and You, Women: Ignatian Retreat for Women under the guidance of Edith Stein By Fr. Sergio M Fita
Discussion questions:
What holds you back from approaching the Lord in prayer from the heart?
What is your quickest avenue to get to the heart of God?
What obstacles are you experiencing in your prayer life?
How can you embrace your current season in life and its impact on your prayer life with greater freedom?
Journal Questions:
How does the Lord call me to prayer uniquely?
Have I been approaching prayer as something on my to-do list?
What changes could I make to approach God with a more open heart?
How has my prayer life changed over the years? What does intimacy with God look like today?
Quote to Ponder
“Prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment. But we tend to forget Him who is our life and our all. This is why the Fathers of the spiritual life in the Deuteronomic and prophetic traditions insist that prayer is a remembrance of God often awakened by the memory of the heart “We must remember God more often than we draw breath.” But we cannot pray “at all times” if we do not pray at specific times, consciously willing it. These are the special times of Christian prayer, both in intensity and duration.”
“Through his Word, God speaks to man. By words, mental or vocal, our prayer takes flesh. Yet it is most important that the heart should be present to him to whom we are speaking in prayer: “Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of words, but on the fervor of our souls.”
“Prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”
“Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God’s thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for him.”
“Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of Containing God’s gift of himself.”
“My daughter…why do you not tell me about everything that concerns you, even the smallest details? Tell Me about everything, and know that this will give Me great joy. I answered, But You know about everything, Lord.” And Jesus replied to me, “Yes I do know; but you should not excuse yourself with the fact that I know, but with childlike simplicity talk to Me about everything, for my ears and heart are inclined towards you, and your words are dear to Me.”
“The Lord forms and teaches people how to pray according to who He has made them to be.”
“Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than the close sharing between friends. It means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. Contemplative prayer seeks Him whom my soul loves”
“The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.””
Scripture for Lectio Divina
“Jesus was praying in a certain place and after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, Lord, teach us how to pray as John taught his disciples.”
Announcements:
We are excited to announce our Lenten Book study!! This year, we will be reading Be Transformed by Dr. Bob Schuchts. Through the guide of this book, we will discuss how the Sacraments can heal and transform your relationship with Jesus Christ. Supplies are limited so we recommend you order your copy of the book as soon as possible. Ave Maria Press is in the process of ordering more and by purchasing early, you can help them estimate how many are needed.
Ave Maria Press has graciously provided us a discount code if you order the book through their website. Use the code TRANSFORM at checkout to receive 25% off not only Be Transformed, but your entire order (through 3.31.23 with some exclusions)!
You can also order the book through Amazon using our affiliate link. We do receive a small commission if you use our Amazon link. Anything we receive is used to help support our ministry. Click here for Amazon in the US.
This episode is sponsored by
House of Joppa
This week’s episode is sponsored by House of Joppa. If you are looking for beautifully curated Catholic home décor, jewelry, art, rosaries, and other gifts, look no further than House of Joppa. Each product is designed to draw you deeper into your faith and help you to fall more in love with Christ and His Church. Whether you are looking for something for yourself or a special gift for a friend, you will love House of Joppa. Abiding Together listeners receive 15% off their purchase at checkout with discount code: ABIDE15. Visit them online at https://www.houseofjoppa.com or on Instagram @houseofjoppa.