Podcast Summary: "What To Do When You Feel Like God’s Not Speaking to You"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: What To Do When You Feel Like God’s Not Speaking to You
• Release Date: April 25, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "What To Do When You Feel Like God’s Not Speaking to You," Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses a common spiritual concern: the feeling of divine silence during prayer. Through compassionate guidance and practical advice, he explores the reasons behind this experience and offers strategies to reconnect with God’s presence.

Understanding the Feeling of God’s Silence

Fr. Mike begins by empathizing with listeners who feel unheard in their prayers. He recounts a conversation with a student who expressed frustration, saying, “I go to pray and it feels like I don't hear anything. Like, I'm talking to the wall, I'm talking to the ceiling. It feels like God never says anything to me” (00:15). This sentiment resonates with many believers who struggle to perceive God’s responses in their spiritual lives.

Shifting Expectations: What Are We Looking for and Listening For?

Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of examining what we seek and expect from our prayers. He advises, “What am I looking for and what am I listening for?” (04:30). Often, the issue arises from expecting God to communicate in a specific manner—such as through overt signs or dramatic revelations. Fr. Mike points out that God may not speak in the ways we anticipate, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t present.

Alternatives: How God Communicates In Different Ways

Fr. Mike broadens the understanding of how God communicates, highlighting subtle and everyday interactions. He shares a personal anecdote: “I was driving as the sun was coming up and it's just gorgeous. It was one of those clear mornings... I look at that and I see God's fingerprints” (03:20). Such moments in nature are, according to Fr. Mike, manifestations of God's presence.

Moreover, he discusses how God can speak through other people’s experiences and stories. For instance, hearing about someone else’s encounter with God can serve as a comforting affirmation of divine activity, even when personal experiences feel silent.

The Importance of Reading the Bible to Hear God

Fr. Mike underscores the significance of engaging with Scripture as a primary way God communicates. He challenges listeners by asking, “When was the last time you picked up the Bible?” (10:45). Recognizing that the Bible is a direct medium through which God reveals Himself, he encourages consistent and intentional reading to foster a deeper connection with God’s word.

Ignatian Prayer: An Engaging Way to Listen to God

Introducing Ignatian prayer, Fr. Mike offers a structured method to enhance spiritual listening. He explains, “Ignatian prayer... involves engaging the senses and imagination to connect with Jesus in scripture” (12:10).

Step-by-Step Guide to Ignatian Prayer:

1. Choose a Scripture Passage: Select a relevant scripture to focus on during prayer.
2. Engage the Senses: Fr. Mike describes adding sensory layers to the prayer, such as:
   • Sight: Visualizing the scene—“What does the Sea of Galilee look like?”
   • Sound: Hearing environmental sounds—“I hear the water lapping up on the shores.”
   • Smell, Taste, and Touch: Incorporating other senses to immerse fully.
3. Imagination Guided by the Holy Spirit: Allowing the Holy Spirit to lead the visualization and emotional connection.
4. Active Participation: Engaging with the scene, perhaps placing oneself in the story to interact with Jesus.

Fr. Mike shares his transformative experience with Ignatian prayer during a seminary retreat, highlighting its effectiveness in deepening his spiritual awareness.

Active Prayer: Engaging the Heart and Mind

Fr. Mike advocates for an active approach to prayer, moving beyond passive reflection. He states, “Prayer is an active thing... how do I engage the Holy Spirit, how do I engage the word of God, how do I engage with my imagination, with my senses, how do I engage with my heart” (18:05). This active engagement helps believers cultivate a more dynamic and responsive relationship with God.

Practical Application: Trusting in God’s Guidance

He encourages listeners to trust in God's methods of communication, even when they differ from personal expectations. Fr. Mike advises, “Let the Lord speak how he speaks, let him reveal Himself how He reveals himself” (20:30). By embracing various forms of divine interaction, believers can better perceive and respond to God’s presence in their lives.

Conclusion: Embracing God’s Ways of Communication

Fr. Mike concludes by reiterating that the goal of prayer is not merely to seek insight or answers but to know and love God more deeply. He emphasizes the importance of being open to the diverse ways God might choose to communicate, fostering a resilient and trusting faith.

Notable Quotes

• Understanding Expectations:

  • “What am I looking for and what am I listening for?” (04:30)

• Nature as God’s Communication:

  • “I look at that and I see God's fingerprints” (03:20)

• Engaging with Scripture:

  • “When was the last time you picked up the Bible?” (10:45)

• Ignatian Prayer Method:

  • “Ignatian prayer... involves engaging the senses and imagination to connect with Jesus in scripture” (12:10)

• Active Prayer:

  • “Prayer is an active thing... how do I engage the Holy Spirit, how do I engage the word of God” (18:05)

• Trusting God’s Communication:

  • “Let the Lord speak how he speaks, let him reveal Himself how He reveals himself” (20:30)

Final Thoughts

In addressing the daunting experience of feeling unheard in prayer, Fr. Mike Schmitz provides a compassionate and practical roadmap for believers seeking to rekindle their connection with God. By reassessing expectations, engaging deeply with Scripture, and adopting active prayer practices like Ignatian prayer, listeners are empowered to perceive God’s subtle yet profound communications in their daily lives.

For those navigating moments of spiritual silence, this episode serves as a reassuring guide to rediscovering God’s voice through intentional and heartfelt practices.

Transcript Reference: <a id="transcript"></a> The timestamps referenced correspond to key sections within the provided transcript, ensuring accurate attribution of quotes and topics discussed by Fr. Mike Schmitz.