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. 

 

Heather’s One Thing - Picture Bible 

Heather’s Other One Thing - Soaking Worship Instrumental Spotify Playlist

Sister Miriam’s One Thing - Magnificat Magazine 

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?
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Quotes 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. (CCC, 2697)

 

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.” (CCC, 2700)

 

"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." - St. Therese of Lisieux

 

Scripture for Lectio: 

“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.” - Luke 11:1

 

Sponsor - 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.