The Fear That’s Keeping You from Prayer (And How to Overcome It)
Podcast: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
Host: Ascension
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Father Mike Schmitz delves deep into the psychological and theological barriers that inhibit individuals from fully engaging in prayer. In this enlightening episode, he explores the pervasive fear that prevents many from approaching God and offers practical insights to overcome these obstacles, fostering a more profound and trusting relationship with the Divine.
1. Understanding the Nature of Fear in Prayer
Timestamp: [00:00]
Father Mike begins by addressing a common yet often unspoken fear: the anxiety that God either does not hear our prayers or, conversely, that He hears them but does not respond as we desire. He articulates this internal struggle:
"I can be afraid that God doesn't hear me. I can be afraid that he does hear me."
— Father Mike Schmitz [00:00]
This fear stems from a place of vulnerability, where individuals open their hearts, laying bare their deepest desires and needs, only to worry about potential disappointment or misunderstanding from God.
2. The Root Cause: Our Image of God
Timestamp: [00:45]
Father Mike posits that the primary source of this fear is the individual's perception or image of God. He suggests that many harbor a view of God that is distant, untrustworthy, or indifferent:
"The image of God is essentially that God can't be trusted. The image of God is essentially that."
— Father Mike Schmitz [00:45]
This skewed perception leads to apprehension in prayer, as people struggle to approach a deity they believe may not be just, good, or genuinely caring.
3. Contrasting Pagan Beliefs with Christian Teachings
Timestamp: [02:10]
Father Mike draws a parallel between ancient Greco-Roman religious beliefs and modern misconceptions about God. He references popular culture, such as the Percy Jackson series, to illustrate how pagan gods are often portrayed as capricious and indifferent:
"The gods and the goddesses, they're not good...they don't care about you...you are insignificant to them."
— Father Mike Schmitz [02:10]
In contrast, Christianity presents a God who is intimately involved in each individual's life, caring deeply and justly, which fundamentally changes the dynamic of prayer.
4. Jesus’ Revolutionary Teachings on Prayer
Timestamp: [04:30]
A pivotal section of the episode focuses on Jesus' instructions on prayer, emphasizing sincerity and the personal relationship with God over ritualistic displays:
"When you pray, say this, Abba, Father... go to your inner room, lock the door, and pray to your father in secret."
— Father Mike Schmitz [04:30]
He elucidates that Jesus discourages public displays intended for human recognition, advocating instead for private communion with God. This approach underscores that God values authenticity and the genuine intentions behind one's prayers.
5. The Assurance of God's Presence and Care
Timestamp: [07:15]
Reiterating the transformative power of a correct understanding of God, Father Mike reassures listeners of God's unwavering presence and concern:
"Even when no one else notices and no one else sees... God notices and cares."
— Father Mike Schmitz [07:15]
This assurance serves to dismantle the fear barrier, inviting believers to approach prayer without anxiety, confident in God's attentive and loving nature.
6. Overcoming Fear: Embracing Trust in God
Timestamp: [09:50]
Father Mike offers a pathway to overcoming the fear that stifles prayer. He encourages listeners to shift their focus from self-doubt and insecurity to a steadfast trust in God's inherent goodness and justice:
"God is very good. And he's incredibly just. And he doesn't just care about you, he loves you."
— Father Mike Schmitz [09:50]
By internalizing this truth, individuals can move beyond their fears, engaging in prayer as a genuine expression of their relationship with a benevolent and attentive God.
Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Prayer
Father Mike Schmitz concludes the episode with a heartfelt invitation to listeners to embrace a fearless and authentic prayer life. He emphasizes that prayer is not about impressing God with the right words or rituals but about building a sincere and trusting relationship with Him.
"Don't be afraid. But approach the throne of grace for mercy and for timely help."
— Father Mike Schmitz [14:30]
This episode serves as a profound reminder that overcoming the fear of prayer begins with reshaping our perception of God, moving from a place of fear and doubt to one of trust and love.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify the Fear: Recognize that fear in prayer often originates from a misconstrued image of God as untrustworthy or indifferent.
- Understand God’s Nature: Embrace the Christian understanding of God as inherently good, just, and deeply loving.
- Practice Authentic Prayer: Follow Jesus' teachings by engaging in sincere, private prayer rather than seeking public recognition.
- Build Trust: Cultivate a relationship with God based on trust and assurance of His constant awareness and care.
Father Mike Schmitz’s insightful discussion not only addresses the fears that hinder effective prayer but also offers a roadmap to a more intimate and fearless communion with God.