Episode Summary: Day 359 – The Seven Petitions

Podcast: The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Released: December 24, 2024
Duration: Approximately 20 minutes

Introduction

In Day 359: The Seven Petitions of Ascension's The Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves deep into the structure and significance of the seven petitions found in the Lord's Prayer. Drawing from paragraphs 2803 to 2806 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Fr. Mike offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of each petition, elucidating their theological and spiritual implications.

Understanding the Structure of the Seven Petitions

Fr. Mike begins by outlining the division of the seven petitions into two distinct groups:

1. First Three Petitions: Glorifying God

   • Hallowed be Thy name
   • Thy kingdom come
   • Thy will be done

   These petitions focus solely on honoring and glorifying God, devoid of any self-referential requests. Fr. Mike emphasizes that this structure reflects the primary characteristic of love—loving God above all else. As he states, “the first three highlight the primary characteristic of love, to think first of the One whom we love” (07:45).

2. Last Four Petitions: Addressing Human Needs and Spiritual Battle

   • Give us this day our daily bread
   • Forgive us our trespasses
   • Lead us not into temptation
   • Deliver us from evil

   These are self-focused petitions, addressing our immediate physical needs and spiritual struggles. Fr. Mike explains, “the last four... concern our battle for the victory of life, that battle of prayer” (12:30).

Deep Dive into Each Petition

1. Hallowed be Thy Name

Fr. Mike interprets this petition as a call to recognize and honor the holiness of God's name. It’s a declaration of God’s sanctity and a commitment to live in a way that reflects His holiness.

2. Thy Kingdom Come

This petition expresses the yearning for God’s reign to be established on earth as it is in heaven. It signifies the believer's hope and anticipation of God's ultimate rule and the fulfillment of His promises.

3. Thy Will be Done

Here, the focus is on submitting to God's divine will, both in the grand scheme of the world and in the minutiae of daily life. Fr. Mike emphasizes, “May your will be done in our lives, not just in this world, not just in our culture, but in this day, in this moment” (10:15).

4. Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

This petition seeks provision for our physical needs. Fr. Mike relates it to trusting God for sustenance and acknowledges our dependence on Him for daily life.

5. Forgive Us Our Trespasses

Addressing the need for forgiveness, this petition underscores our reliance on God’s mercy to heal us from sin and restore our relationship with Him.

6. Lead Us Not into Temptation

Fr. Mike discusses this as a plea for guidance to avoid situations that may lead to sin, highlighting the importance of divine assistance in maintaining moral integrity.

7. Deliver Us from Evil

The final petition is a request for protection against all forms of evil. Fr. Mike connects this to the ongoing spiritual battle believers face, emphasizing reliance on God’s strength to overcome adversities.

Theological Insights and Reflections

Fr. Mike delves into the theological underpinnings of these petitions, referencing the Catechism's discussion on how they reflect our relationship with God and our spiritual journey. He highlights how the first three petitions set the foundation for a God-centered life, fostering faith, hope, and charity. The latter four petitions, on the other hand, address our human frailties and the constant need for God's grace.

A notable reflection by Fr. Mike:

"It's characteristic of love to think first of the One whom we love... The first things we petition for, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done... It reorients our hearts" (15:20).

Connecting to Sacred Tradition and Prayer

Fr. Mike draws parallels between the seven petitions and other forms of Catholic prayer, such as the Eucharistic Prayer and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. He underscores the unity of prayer in seeking both God’s glory and our personal needs, highlighting the holistic nature of Catholic spirituality.

He references the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, emphasizing:

“Through the name of His Christ and the reign of His Holy Spirit, our Father accomplishes his plan of salvation for us and for the whole world” (19:45).

Practical Application and Personal Reflection

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to internalize the petitions not just as recitations but as transformative elements of their prayer life. He urges believers to allow these petitions to reorient their hearts towards God’s primacy and to seek His guidance in daily endeavors.

Fr. Mike shares a personal anecdote:

“I have taught, I can't tell you how many times I have taught on the Our Father on the Lord's Prayer from the catechism... I don't know if I ever noticed the difference between the first three, the next two, and the final two” (18:30).

This reflection underscores the depth and richness of the Lord's Prayer, revealing new insights even to seasoned teachers.

Conclusion

In Day 359: The Seven Petitions, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers a profound exploration of the Lord's Prayer, unraveling its theological depth and practical implications. By dissecting each petition, he provides listeners with a deeper understanding of their faith and enhances their prayer experience. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of the centrality of God in our lives and the importance of unwavering trust in His divine plan.

Notable Quotes

• “The first three highlight the primary characteristic of love, to think first of the One whom we love.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (07:45)
• “We pray in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (09:10)
• “It is so much love in that.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (11:05)
• “Through the name of Jesus Christ and the reign of His Holy Spirit, our Father accomplishes his plan of salvation for us and for the whole world.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:45)
• “Our prayer must exclude no one.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (20:50)

Key Takeaways

• The seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer are divided into two groups: three for glorifying God and four addressing human needs and spiritual battles.
• The structure of the prayer reflects the primary characteristic of love—prioritizing God above all else.
• Each petition holds deep theological significance, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and daily lives.
• Embracing these petitions transforms prayer from mere recitation to a profound communion with God.

Feel free to revisit this episode to deepen your understanding of the Lord's Prayer and enhance your prayer life through the insightful teachings of Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Timestamps:

• 07:45 – Introduction to the division of petitions
• 09:10 – Importance of praying in the Trinity
• 11:05 – Emphasis on love in the first three petitions
• 12:30 – Significance of the last four petitions
• 15:20 – Reflection on reorienting the heart
• 18:30 – Personal anecdote on teaching the Lord's Prayer
• 19:45 – Connection to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy
• 20:50 – Inclusive nature of prayer

Note: To delve deeper into the Catechism or to follow along with the reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy.