The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 339 — Prayer of Praise (2025)

Date: December 5, 2025

Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Readings: Catechism paragraphs 2639–2649

Episode Overview

Day 339 focuses on the "Prayer of Praise" as explained in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Fr. Mike unpacks how praise is distinguished among the various forms of prayer, emphasizing its unique character of honoring God simply for who He is, not merely for what He does. He transitions from a catechetical reading to a practical invitation, guiding listeners to deepen their practice and understanding of praise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Defining the Prayer of Praise

• Distinction from Other Prayers:
  • Petition: Asking for needs
  • Intercession: Praying on behalf of others
  • Thanksgiving: Thanking God for specific actions
  • Praise: Honoring God for His being, not necessarily linked to His actions
• Catechism Highlight:
  • “Praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God. It lauds God for His own sake and gives him glory quite beyond what he does, but simply because he is.” ([00:41], [02:39])

2. Scriptural & Liturgical Foundations

• Scripture References:
  • St. Luke’s Gospel and Acts showcase the community’s expression of wonder and praise.
• Early Christian Practice:
  • Reading Psalms, composing hymns and canticles reflecting on Christ’s work and mystery
• Heavenly Liturgy:
  • The Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse) is described as carried along by heavenly songs and intercessions by saints ([03:44])

3. Theological Insights

• Trinitarian Participation:
  • “By praise, the Spirit is joined to our spirits to bear witness that we are children of God, testifying to the only Son in whom we are adopted and by whom we glorify the Father.” ([02:39], [07:02])
• Praise as Embracing All Forms of Prayer:
  • Praise carries intercession, thanksgiving, and other forms toward God as both source and goal

4. The Eucharist — The Ultimate Prayer of Praise

• Eucharistic Centrality:
  • “The Eucharist contains and expresses all forms of prayer. It is the pure offering of the whole body of Christ to the glory of God’s name...” ([04:44], [08:21])
  • Both Eastern and Western traditions regard the Eucharist as the “sacrifice of praise”
• Biblical Roots and Rabbinic Tradition:
  • Only the “Todah” (thanksgiving) sacrifice will remain in the age to come—fulfilled in the Eucharist

5. Praise in All Circumstances

• The Saints’ Example:
  • Saints and martyrs praise God amid great tribulation
  • “...the saints revealed to us that they gave God praise no matter what their circumstances, no matter what seasons they were going through, even in the midst of great tribulation.” ([09:57])
• Our Communion with Saints:
  • The Church on earth sings these songs of praise “with faith in the midst of trial,” joining with the saints in heaven ([10:41])

6. Transformative Power of Praise

• Faith as Pure Praise:
  • “Faith hopes against all hope and gives thanks to the Father of Lights, from whom every perfect gift comes down. Thus, faith is pure praise.” ([11:38])
• Practical Challenge:
  • Fr. Mike encourages listeners to take time after the episode to “enter into some silence and to offer God…a prayer of praise” ([12:39])
  • Emphasizes transformation over information: “This is not about information transfer. This is about transformation.” ([12:49])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Essence of Praise:
  • “Praise is the form of prayer that recognizes most immediately that God is God. It lauds God for His own sake and gives him glory, quite beyond what He does, but simply because He is.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([00:42], [02:39])
• Trinitarian Dynamic in Praise:
  • “By praise, the Spirit is joined to our spirits to bear witness that we are children of God, testifying to the only Son in whom we are adopted and by whom we glorify the Father.” ([07:04])
• Eucharist as Sacrifice of Praise:
  • “The Eucharist…is the pure offering of the whole body of Christ to the glory of God’s name. …it is the sacrifice of praise.” ([08:21])
• Praise Through Trials:
  • “The saints reveal to us they gave God praise no matter what their circumstances…even in the midst of great tribulation.” ([09:57])
• On Faith and Praise:
  • “Faith is pure praise.” ([11:38])
• Personal Encouragement:
  • “I invite you…to enter into some silence… Even if you want to do it out loud… give God praise, to praise God and glorify Him for who He is.” ([12:39])
• On the Purpose of Prayer:
  • “It’s not just about knowing more about prayer, but it actually is about exercising prayer. It’s deepening that relationship with God.” ([12:56])

Important Timestamps

• [00:41]–[02:39]: Definition and nature of the prayer of praise
• [03:44]: Scriptural and liturgical examples of praise, especially in the Psalms and early Christian hymns
• [04:44]: The Eucharist containing every form of prayer, described as the “sacrifice of praise”
• [07:02]: Trinitarian language in prayer of praise
• [08:21]: Old vs. New Covenant understanding of the “sacrifice of praise”
• [09:57]: The saints’ witness—praise in difficulty and suffering
• [10:41]: Communal praise—Church on earth joining with saints in heaven
• [11:38]: Faith’s relationship to praise
• [12:39]: Fr. Mike’s practical challenge to listeners

Final Reflections

• Fr. Mike invites listeners to personally engage in praise after the episode, reminding them that praise is open to all, regardless of circumstance.
• He underscores that growth in faith can be nurtured by simply giving God praise, both in word and in silence.
• The episode ends with an encouragement for transformation: deepening one’s prayer life is about genuine relationship, not just intellectual knowledge.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a faithful and practical understanding of the Catechism’s teaching on the prayer of praise, with guidance for everyday spiritual growth.