This made me realize that I spend more time praying for my grandfather than I do seeing him. Visiting him more often would fulflfill at least part of that prayer because I know he enjoys it when I visit him, especially when I bring chinese food.
Please hold onto and enjoy those precious memories, my grandad died two weeks ago today. And I miss him so much already. God bless you and your grandad
@@Call_Upon_YAH Please study the Catechism of the Catholic Church before continuing to try to defame it's members with your allegations of idolatry. Even a cursory reading will show we do not worship Mary, we honor her for who she is, the mother of God. If God wanted each person to be guided by Him directly and completely He would have had no need to establish the apostles with the authority He gave them. He could have treated them just like the other disciples or He'd be revealing Himself to people directly and you would have no need to evangelize.
Quran (only scripture with 100% accuracy/preservation) says Allah is “Al-Ahad”(one/indivisible).Philosophically, It is impossible for 3 distinct perfections to exist simultaneously. Father (Perfection 1/distinct1) =Son (Perfection 2/distinct2)=idolatry.This is due to addition of two extra perfections that are Co-equal/Co-eternal&distinct with Allah(the most Exalted). Not just the Quran, but also the old/New Testament textually establish tauheed(monotheism). So, then why believe in trinity and associate two imaginary parts to Allah(one/indivisible/Self-Sufficient/All-Loving)? How could your love/worship be undivided/exclusive for Allah(the most Exalted) when there are two other equally unique/perfect entities to adore? The verses of bible used by trinitarians are extremely vague and require hard interpretation to extract the understanding that Father/Son/Holy Ghost are Co-equal/Co-Eternal&distinct.
@@bluesky45299 No doubt these disagreements will last until the end of time, and we would no doubt be here on this comment section untiI some moderator ends it from spiritual or secular exhaustion. But I will briefly name the triadic lens I look through to partially see what God (Allah) has accomplished and continues to accomplish for the Human Family, which includes every human being from the beginning until the end of time: 1) Jews were the first to be gifted with Revelation unique to their situation in human history. And the Jews, in my view, completed what God desired of them to complete (Romans 11), and why it doesn’t make sense to me for Christians and Muslims to proselytize them. 2) After the Jews, God continued to bring an understanding of Himself to the rest of the World by establishing a covenant with the Gentiles through Christ Jesus. 3) Ishmael had a specific mission as the First Son of Abraham that included going through severe trials that would result in him bringing to the Arab World Allah’s (God’s) wishes on that distinct Familial Line originating in Abraham, the Father to ALL Nations..
Allah is the same God the Father as the God to Jews and Christians. This is a mystery that makes clear God (Allah) meant what he said when he revealed His Ways are not the ways of men, probably the best example of this in all of human history (why Jews, Christians and Muslims remain confounded in all this). And this is why ANY Jew, Christian or Muslim who resides in Allah’s (God’s) Love & Mercy will love their brothers and sisters in all of our Father’s Children, which even extends into all other faiths, and those lacking faith in God or ANY god, by God’s association with them in how he mysteriously chooses to relate to them for His Purposes, another grand example of how we simply cannot know His Ways (what should humble every Jew, Christian and Muslim in a radical way). God does not abandon anyone lost in ignorance of what He has Revealed. Only humans abandon others. God’s (Allah’s) Plan for ALL of Humanity include everyone. That is the Way of the Father, what no human being can comprehend in fullness.
You can’t pray too much, pray while you work Pray while you fulfill all your obligations God will help you do everything better When studying for my exams I used to pray my study notes to God and tell him all about what I was learning.
As someone who has given scandal to people by stopping to pray while talking to them and even just by being distracted I feel the need to add: you can not pray too much, but you can certainly pray at the wrong time. Unless you do it like Br.Lawrence of the Resurrection.
At school, I find myself pausing my conversations at the start of lunch to say grace and I want to give thanks to the Lord. I have noticed that some kids would get kind of annoyed about it or make fun of me and call me a nerd and things but I think now that you have given me a good idea. Tomorrow, I will ask my friends at the lunch table whether they would like to join with me. Hopefully this is a good idea and may help to stop hurting conversations and things. I just do not want to start eating my lunch until I have given thanks and I don’t have enough time at lunch to wait until there is a pause and I can do pray without interruption. Any further thoughts or advice for this type of situation would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! :)
@@renderedimage3295 If they refuse, do not be dismayed, just add that cross to the prayer for their conversion. Also, praying silently is possible. I mostly dealt with people close to me. Be prudent, but courageous.
@@LostArchivist I always pray silently at lunch, but I do not want to sacrifice the outward signs of my faith like the Sign of the Cross and folding my hands. Also, lol, I look at my food with happiness and excitement. I am thankful for those who have played a part in the making of my food and that God gives me the gift of always having a meal. I'm also just hungry 😋
Every time I tried praying, I’d get interrupted by a family member. I decided to wake up an hour before everyone else to have private and uninterrupted time with my Lord. I love praying when everyone else is sleeping. I feel my Lord’s presence and I thank Mother Mary every time, for bringing me closer to Jesus. Thank you Father Mike. This hit the spot.!
Except “mother Mary” is dead…The only one to intercede between you and God is JESUS! Not Mary , not a priest bc they are no better than us. Jesus is the only SINLESS son of God and God says no one can come to him except through JESUS. Prayers to Mary and a Priest or anyone else is useless and not Biblical!
I struggled with this concept I use to get angry when my kids would interrupt my prayer time I. The morning Then I thought is that how God would want me to react to my children who do know know any better So now I embrace when they interrupt me and bring Jesus to them in that moment . I break up my routine and instead of a vocal or meditative prayer I make it a living prayer Wouldn’t you know they don’t interrupt me as much anymore. I leave it in Gods hands
I’m so glad you made this video! I have religious OCD/scrupulosity and it has completely taken hold of my mind for over a decade. Every time I try to talk to someone about it they always say “oh no it’s not possible to pray too much, prayer is a good thing!” But I have compulsive mental prayers that I have to say sometimes 10+ times per minute just to feel okay. It’s really unhealthy and more related to anxiety than an actual relationship with God. I’m working on healing my relationship with prayer, because it’s such a beautiful thing. My brain just happened to latch onto it as a compulsion. So it’s nice to have a metric as to what constitutes “too much” prayer that I can remind myself of to get me out of a compulsive prayer cycle, because my compulsions take up a lot of time and energy and definitely keep me from fulfilling other obligations to the best of my ability. Now I can remind myself of that and hopefully soothe my anxiety about not saying the compulsive prayers as much!
You guys aren't alone. I realized I have this problem too, and I'll pray for us in increments of 3's, sit down and do it again, lol (not making fun! Just trying to lighten up our situation!) 🙏
I completely understand. I was praying constantly. One day at the Blessed Sacrament I opened up my Bible and read about God preferring praise and thanksgiving instead of sacrifice. I also know our Lord wants our light to shine on others, so pray with confidence, and let your spirit find joy in God our Savior so we too can be a joy to others. …. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love😊.
Last Tuesday I was preparing to go for morning mass when my line manager called that I go cover up for my colleague at a client's house. I told God that I was preparing to go for mass and since I have to go give my vulnerable client her personal wash, I'll go and do it with all the love and happiness that I could have in church.
This is a very good point, Father. My daughter asked me to entertain the baby while she made dinner. I had planned to go to mass but she forgot. So I played with the baby, because my daughter is expecting…I figured the Lord would understand. Obligations as Nana are important to me but I also make time for the Lord-I do my best.
Reminds me of something I recently read about Saint Phillip Neri: More important for him was a commitment to be generous with his time and energy. “If we wish to help our neighbour,” he taught, “we must reserve for ourselves neither place, nor hour, nor time.” When one of the fathers of the Congregation refused to answer the door to those who came for confession or alms, because he was saying his prayers, St Philip would have none of it. He admonished him and the other fathers and brothers that when they were called for, they were to come immediately, no matter if they were praying or anything else, for in doing so they would be “leaving Christ for Christ.”
Ora et Labora. Most of the time, we can pray and work. But definitely there are times, when we need to give undivided attention to pray and to perform our obligations. The problem arises when other members of the family don't share our faith nor do they understand our need to focus our being with the Lord.
Yesterday I had a bad day that I don’t get a interview for a job for 5 weeks and month but blessed be God... I got a interview! And I hope god can put Bernadette in my path for my future holy wife and love. I love her ❤
I don't know anyone in the world, digital and otherwise, who is a better catechist than Fr. Mike. I claim that as a man who has been more critical of the clerical class than anyone else in the world, while still abiding in the morals/faith and dogmatic/doctrinal teachings of the Church. Fr. Mike in true humility probably doesn’t realize he is a saintly man (if not a saint, certainly a saint in the making); and it occurred to me that every saint, and every saint in the making, always reside firmly in the concrete world, not getting lost in the weeds of academic high abstraction. He is truly a gift from God.
Difficult to hear, but love this Fr. Mike. If the children and grandchildren are seeing on a regular basis weekly every other week once a month then just going to them and say hey, I do miss you. Can we do this more often they should be open for that and do it with the love of Christ in our hearts serving him while living on their family.
Jesus is coming back soon. Heavenly Father please keep me and my boys same from evil. Please pray for me and my children. I’m so discouraged. I’ve had people come against me that do not know me. And say my testimony isn’t real!! But OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS the truth and my heart! Prayers are all I truly NEED and want. Jesus hear my prayers. I still trust in you and will keep my faith even though it is so very difficult at this time. I’m constantly faced with hardships and can barely support my two sons and myself. After losing my job for declining the vaccine. I’m a single mom and I’m discouraged. Both of my children are autistic. I am working so please don’t pity me. I’m just not making enough to get by. I know God doesn’t give us more than we can handle I will keep faith even though I truly want to give up. Jesus hear my prayers and keep me and my kids safe.
I’m not Catholic, I’m non denominational and I’ve struggled to respect some Catholic ideology. My dad who is Catholic and I argue A LOT; That said, I have a lot of respect for you Father Mike. It would be nice to meet you in person someday.
I did a grave deed over this topic. My wife was a Benedictine oblate. She prayed several times a day and spent time copying the Rule. Instead of complaining to her and finding a compromise I went directly to her spiritual director my priest and said she was spending so much time in prayer she was neglecting her marital vows. It didn't work she relapsed into her addiction and ended up neglecting her marital vows anyway and died in the end. I should have been pleased she was fervently praying.
The relationship with God is primary. The corollary to this is: Is it possible to waste too much time and not have time to pray, obligations and other relationships aside. Thanks Father Mike! Well balanced.
I appreciate this very much, Father. I have three neurodivergent children, and we have been really struggling in the mornings with our morning routines. Your video helped me to realize that my hour long morning prayer routine is not helping the problem. So I'm going to reduce the number of prayers I say in the morning and just stick to the Morning Offering, your Bible in a Year and a Divine Mercy chaplet, and ask my guardian angel to say the rest for me, which will significantly cut down on my morning prayer time. Hopefully that will allow me to be more present with my children in the morngings and will allow for a smoother transition.
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I think we're meant to be praying quite a lot. Does anyone actually have the problem of praying too much? The experience of 99% of Christians is that praying at all is a struggle! Finding the time, staying focused and developing the habit etc...
@@Hadrianus01 Sorry, I didn't realise that you were a fundamentalist. My local Catholic priest told me verbatim what I wrote, and it seemed quite sensible given that it is impossible to pray all day. Similarly, Jesus describes Himself as a door in the Gospel of St. John. It would be odd to take His metaphor literally, and think of Our Lord as a piece of wood. Catholics interpret the Word of God quite differently in such cases to many Protestants. We know that metaphors, parables, and similies are not meant to be taken literally, or that impossible demands, such as to "pray ceaselessly", cannot be taken as literal statements of instruction.
Beautifully put; I love to pray but also thanks for the reminder that we must live out our prayer in taking care of others. The adult child could join her parents at church to pray also….This talk may have taken to the third try but it’s worth it!
To much time serving the local parish or things like KofC, diocesan counsel, the deaconate formation, etc..is an understatement in our house growing up. Oddly enough the Diocese awarded the sacrifices we had to make and TOTALLY abandoned my Deacon father. I wonder sometimes why I'm Catholic, however, humans didn't establish Christianity, Jesus Christ did. It has totally crushed his heart.
Great words as usual, Father. I'm fully aware that I do not pray enough. It depends on each individual and their circumstances. As long as i have a good relationship with God its good enough for me. We can't compare the levels of the relationship.
I think saint sister Faustina Kowalska in her diary wrote, that one day she prayed 1000 Hail Maries but not missing out any of her daily duties. So, she made an emphasis on both: prayers and duties.
Loved it!!! It is how you make people feel when wanting to spend time with someone, while allowing them to know you are aware of their dedication to something else, but yet express how you want to spend time with them as well. Kindness is the best way while allowing for the desires in their life and yours. Works both ways. ❤ beautiful
Our every action, every day can be a prayer to God when we dedicate them to Him. The Morning Offering - "I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings...". The housework we do, the work outside the home, every action large and small is a prayer to God when we ask Him to bless us and bless the actions. From Salesian spirituality, before they do anything, when they move from one activity to another they try to say - "My God I give you this action, please give me the grace to conduct myself in a manner most pleasing to you. May God be blessed.” But, do remember the balance for the work you do for God away from the home vs. the work God needs you to do IN your home. Don't let your marriage or children ever become the victims of your chosen apostolate - no matter how laudable it may be. Your marriage is a sacrament and your children the result of that sacrament and sacraments deserve protection and respect in a unique manner.
That was a question I had about prayer this makes so much so sense . I do pray all day but I also go to church / Glory nights praising God , now I want to maybe go to a nursing home and pray the rosary for whom ever do you think that would be good to do ?
This video has shed light on my situation. I have fallen in love with the Lord so much and I want to spend time in Adoration but my husband complains I pray too much.
Pray a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus starting June 7, with the intention of a rained-out baseball game on June 16 in Los Angeles, and the conversion of sinners.
Understand what pag without ceasing really means. Use God's gift of discernment and intellect to identify the right balance. Set a well planned regimen on all your daily activities. Stick to it and update periodically. Pray, fast and do charity works to offer for your petition in discerning the right balance. Congrats.
Work, in and of itself, cannot become Prayer, but we can infuse work with a form of Mental Prayer, even with quiet vocal prayers. All of us are called to pray unceasingly. Prayer is the Foundation of all our activities.
Very hard subject, especially as it varies so much from one person to another. YET You did a good job of helping people to come to and understanding. Congrats :)
I am guilty of spending too much time volunteering at Church and I did neglect my husband and my family! I was naive and misguided. My husband and I divorced after 38 years. I am so very sorry and regretful.
Greetings 🫖☕ good morning 🌞 from California prayer has always made me feel better and has helped me to overcome all the bad from life💜 I was thinking about how God feels when people deny his son Jesus 🙏 denial is very painful Jesus told Peter he would deny him 3 times
Greetings Father Mike, -> Message reflect with, "The Spiritual Responsibility towards Lord Jesus Christ and Moral Responsible Gestures towards One's Own Personal Life in every aspects." -> Key Context = "Supportive Family Prayers towards Lord Jesus Christ is Vital to Spiritual and Social Well being in all aspects of Life." -> Thanks for Insightful message, Father. With regards and Prayers, Ranjith Joseph (R.J)
I am a Christian, but I am studying this religion because I have friends that are Catholic and in order for me to be a witness and to tell others about Christ I have to study where they come from. I know prayer is not too much or you can never pray too much because the Bible clearly says pray without ceasing. That doesn’t mean pray All day and not do anything else, pray continuously for others and never stop because prayer is the key that unlocks the doors to the things of God!
Father Mike, could you please talk about the military and if is it okay for a Catholic person to join the military if it means potentially taking the life of someone
I was thinking back and quite a few years ago I was unemployed for about a year. Day time TV was enough to make my brain explode so i had nothing to do besides of my work outside. I spent hours and hours in prayer and I did get an answer. It was a strange and startling path that i was taken along but I don't believe i found that path on my own to a new career. I actually did pray without ceasing because i was just getting, hate to say, high. I used the time in prayer to not think about that and not use.
We have not forgotten to pray for you over on the CIY in a year so please know that your brothers and sisters in Christ have you in their prayers. Please pray for us too if you can but if not its ok.
There are many adult kids now who expect their mom to provide full time free child care. It's good to ask your family members to invest in a good relationship. It's quite another thing to expect them to deal with your responsibilities.
When I'm in the middle of prayer, especially a long set prayer like the rosary, and I receive a phone call, I know that my prayer has been answered. Indeed, God's answer is the phone call. Welcome the interruptions
Thank you! Well I have an opposite issue. I am 76 grandma and I would spend every waking minute with my family if I could but they really don’t want me to. I’m not a bad person and I enjoy their company but there’s some issues from the past that they can’t let go of. I would love to have someone tell me they would like to have me around more. But they don’t. I try to be enjoyable, but there are issues and that’s really sad. I could say that to them but they don’t respond. They think it’s just Criticism. Ideas? That makes me sad.
No ideas other than asking the Holy Family to help heal your family, but I am sure you are already doing that as you are listening to Fr. Mike. I'll add your family to my family's prayers.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." -Matthew 10:21-22
There should be an encore to this video of 'I am suffering too much?' or how much suffering is too much and no longer godly or holy but intolerable and inhumane ... Diary of St. Faustina 343
My dad‘s mother prayed all the time. Morning noon night, coming home in the car she would sit across the backseat with the dome light on their fancy car and a flashlight and say her prayers then. it seemed like it never stopped. But when I got a little older and I could understand a little better, a lot better the reason grandma prayed so much was because my grandfather was not a good man, my grandfather was a gangster. During varying times of their lives, my father would be pulled out of school Catholic school because they would have to leave the country for a little while. My dad saw the world on the wall next to me is a framed copy of when they met the pope in 1947 and the cross that he gave my father. My grandmother insisted that they go to Rome on one of their getaways. my dad always told the stories and they just drew you in what would happen when they knew because they’ve been tipped off that the cops were coming and they had to take knocked down all of the operation and if you came and saw me and we got on a train I could take you right to the train stop where the building still stands and take you to the back and show you where the wires were for the ponies. My grandmother was always scared. She had survived the first world war, safe here, and to being Catholic, to marry my grandfather. So we. Kids dad was An only child, love to hear the stories. But when I got older, I realized that grandma was so afraid that all she could do was pray to God that nothing ever happened to her husband and her only child. She lost at least four children and my would have been. Aunt Kathy died when she was three days old. Grandma was afraid something would happen that would take my dad away from her so she prayed. As I got older as I got smarter as that became a parent, and I understood the bond that I had between my children and myself, I understood why Grandma prayed.
I pray the Rosary every morning (for no particular intention) because when i die I will be SCREAMING FOR HER!!! I hope She isn't offended but She is my Ace just in case. I'm beginning to understand "Jesus I Trust in You" and that it may mean me too.
yeah, I try to prioritize honest conversation and being with God/meditating on scripture over I Need To Recite These Specific Prayers Every Single Day Or Else, because the latter can turn into a compulsion for me, you know? not that having a routine is bad! you just have to be aware. prayer is your relationship with God.
I'll be honest, I've never considered praying too much might be a problem, but maybe because I spent so much of my life not doing it. But that's me and everyone has their own take on things I guess.
Can you make a video on actual limitations vs excuses. In life some people are at a physical disadvantage for certain jobs (playing sports with asthma); would refusing a job be an excuse because with Gods help and hard work your can be successful, or would your limitation be a way for God to say that this job isn’t for you.
I pray a lot. I think I might be in a "catch-22." I pray that God will help me with my obligations and relationships. [I actually pray about everything.] Now looking at this, all the time I have been praying, I might have been spending time fulfilling my obligations and working on relationships. Hmm....
Father, Please pray for my family and I. I end up having to pray a lot, because my family and I are often under spiritual demonic attack. It is very real, and I don't know the reasons for it. I have tried everything it seems from living a sacramental life to closing doors or cutting suspected ties, and even spiritual deliverance. Yet the attacks come and go. I don't know what I am doing wrong.
I am so afraid of what is going on in our world now. There is so much moral depravity that I don't want to go out in the world. I wish I could be like the nuns that are cloistered. I attend mass every day, and I feel safe there. I wish I could dedicate my life to prayer all the time. How can we have saints today because we just can't pray all day. I love Wilhelmina!
This made me realize that I spend more time praying for my grandfather than I do seeing him. Visiting him more often would fulflfill at least part of that prayer because I know he enjoys it when I visit him, especially when I bring chinese food.
Please hold onto and enjoy those precious memories, my grandad died two weeks ago today. And I miss him so much already. God bless you and your grandad
thay it eeees
@@Call_Upon_YAH Please study the Catechism of the Catholic Church before continuing to try to defame it's members with your allegations of idolatry. Even a cursory reading will show we do not worship Mary, we honor her for who she is, the mother of God. If God wanted each person to be guided by Him directly and completely He would have had no need to establish the apostles with the authority He gave them. He could have treated them just like the other disciples or He'd be revealing Himself to people directly and you would have no need to evangelize.
Quran (only scripture with 100% accuracy/preservation) says Allah is “Al-Ahad”(one/indivisible).Philosophically, It is impossible for 3 distinct perfections to exist simultaneously. Father (Perfection 1/distinct1) =Son (Perfection 2/distinct2)=idolatry.This is due to addition of two extra perfections that are Co-equal/Co-eternal&distinct with Allah(the most Exalted). Not just the Quran, but also the old/New Testament textually establish tauheed(monotheism). So, then why believe in trinity and associate two imaginary parts to Allah(one/indivisible/Self-Sufficient/All-Loving)? How could your love/worship be undivided/exclusive for Allah(the most Exalted) when there are two other equally unique/perfect entities to adore? The verses of bible used by trinitarians are extremely vague and require hard interpretation to extract the understanding that Father/Son/Holy Ghost are Co-equal/Co-Eternal&distinct.
@@bluesky45299 No doubt these disagreements will last until the end of time, and we would no doubt be here on this comment section untiI some moderator ends it from spiritual or secular exhaustion. But I will briefly name the triadic lens I look through to partially see what God (Allah) has accomplished and continues to accomplish for the Human Family, which includes every human being from the beginning until the end of time:
1) Jews were the first to be gifted with Revelation unique to their situation in human history. And the Jews, in my view, completed what God desired of them to complete (Romans 11), and why it doesn’t make sense to me for Christians and Muslims to proselytize them.
2) After the Jews, God continued to bring an understanding of Himself to the rest of the World by establishing a covenant with the Gentiles through Christ Jesus.
3) Ishmael had a specific mission as the First Son of Abraham that included going through severe trials that would result in him bringing to the Arab World Allah’s (God’s) wishes on that distinct Familial Line originating in Abraham, the Father to ALL Nations..
Allah is the same God the Father as the God to Jews and Christians. This is a mystery that makes clear God (Allah) meant what he said when he revealed His Ways are not the ways of men, probably the best example of this in all of human history (why Jews, Christians and Muslims remain confounded in all this). And this is why ANY Jew, Christian or Muslim who resides in Allah’s (God’s) Love & Mercy will love their brothers and sisters in all of our Father’s Children, which even extends into all other faiths, and those lacking faith in God or ANY god, by God’s association with them in how he mysteriously chooses to relate to them for His Purposes, another grand example of how we simply cannot know His Ways (what should humble every Jew, Christian and Muslim in a radical way). God does not abandon anyone lost in ignorance of what He has Revealed. Only humans abandon others. God’s (Allah’s) Plan for ALL of Humanity include everyone. That is the Way of the Father, what no human being can comprehend in fullness.
You can’t pray too much, pray while you work
Pray while you fulfill all your obligations
God will help you do everything better
When studying for my exams I used to pray my study notes to God and tell him all about what I was learning.
As someone who has given scandal to people by stopping to pray while talking to them and even just by being distracted I feel the need to add: you can not pray too much, but you can certainly pray at the wrong time. Unless you do it like Br.Lawrence of the Resurrection.
@@LostArchivist when I feel the urge to suddenly pray like that I invite the person to pray with me
At school, I find myself pausing my conversations at the start of lunch to say grace and I want to give thanks to the Lord. I have noticed that some kids would get kind of annoyed about it or make fun of me and call me a nerd and things but I think now that you have given me a good idea. Tomorrow, I will ask my friends at the lunch table whether they would like to join with me. Hopefully this is a good idea and may help to stop hurting conversations and things. I just do not want to start eating my lunch until I have given thanks and I don’t have enough time at lunch to wait until there is a pause and I can do pray without interruption. Any further thoughts or advice for this type of situation would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! :)
@@renderedimage3295 If they refuse, do not be dismayed, just add that cross to the prayer for their conversion. Also, praying silently is possible. I mostly dealt with people close to me. Be prudent, but courageous.
@@LostArchivist I always pray silently at lunch, but I do not want to sacrifice the outward signs of my faith like the Sign of the Cross and folding my hands. Also, lol, I look at my food with happiness and excitement. I am thankful for those who have played a part in the making of my food and that God gives me the gift of always having a meal. I'm also just hungry 😋
I never thought feeding the poor as a prayer itself and doing Gods work. That’s awesome. I always thought of it as just doing his work.
Every time I tried praying, I’d get interrupted by a family member. I decided to wake up an hour before everyone else to have private and uninterrupted time with my Lord. I love praying when everyone else is sleeping. I feel my Lord’s presence and I thank Mother Mary every time, for bringing me closer to Jesus. Thank you Father Mike. This hit the spot.!
St. Padre Pio recommended 3:30 a.m. as the optimum time to pray for the reasons you just gave.
Except “mother Mary” is dead…The only one to intercede between you and God is JESUS! Not Mary , not a priest bc they are no better than us. Jesus is the only SINLESS son of God and God says no one can come to him except through JESUS. Prayers to Mary and a Priest or anyone else is useless and not Biblical!
I struggled with this concept
I use to get angry when my kids would interrupt my prayer time I. The morning
Then I thought is that how God would want me to react to my children who do know know any better
So now I embrace when they interrupt me and bring Jesus to them in that moment . I break up my routine and instead of a vocal or meditative prayer I make it a living prayer
Wouldn’t you know they don’t interrupt me as much anymore. I leave it in Gods hands
I’m so glad you made this video! I have religious OCD/scrupulosity and it has completely taken hold of my mind for over a decade. Every time I try to talk to someone about it they always say “oh no it’s not possible to pray too much, prayer is a good thing!” But I have compulsive mental prayers that I have to say sometimes 10+ times per minute just to feel okay. It’s really unhealthy and more related to anxiety than an actual relationship with God. I’m working on healing my relationship with prayer, because it’s such a beautiful thing. My brain just happened to latch onto it as a compulsion. So it’s nice to have a metric as to what constitutes “too much” prayer that I can remind myself of to get me out of a compulsive prayer cycle, because my compulsions take up a lot of time and energy and definitely keep me from fulfilling other obligations to the best of my ability. Now I can remind myself of that and hopefully soothe my anxiety about not saying the compulsive prayers as much!
I have OCD scrupulosity as well. I hope you can find relief and healing, God bless.
You guys aren't alone. I realized I have this problem too, and I'll pray for us in increments of 3's, sit down and do it again, lol (not making fun! Just trying to lighten up our situation!) 🙏
@@whoputyouontheplanet3345 Thanks so much! I will pray for the two of you.
How long have you dealt with it?
I completely understand. I was praying constantly. One day at the Blessed Sacrament I opened up my Bible and read about God preferring praise and thanksgiving instead of sacrifice. I also know our Lord wants our light to shine on others, so pray with confidence, and let your spirit find joy in God our Savior so we too can be a joy to others. …. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love😊.
@@whoputyouontheplanet3345 thank you so much! And bahahah 😂 thank you, I’ll be praying for y’all (in a healthy way lol)
Your whole life should be a prayer.
Last Tuesday I was preparing to go for morning mass when my line manager called that I go cover up for my colleague at a client's house. I told God that I was preparing to go for mass and since I have to go give my vulnerable client her personal wash, I'll go and do it with all the love and happiness that I could have in church.
You are so kind hearted! I'd feel disappointed that I couldn't go to Mass. I admire your charity for others. ❤ May God bless you.
Beautiful. I wish all care workers had your heart and mind.
This is a very good point, Father. My daughter asked me to entertain the baby while she made dinner. I had planned to go to mass but she forgot. So I played with the baby, because my daughter is expecting…I figured the Lord would understand. Obligations as Nana are important to me but I also make time for the Lord-I do my best.
Hope it was a daily mass that you missed, not Sunday or holy days of obligation Mass.
Reminds me of something I recently read about Saint Phillip Neri:
More important for him was a commitment to be generous with his time and energy. “If we wish to help our neighbour,” he taught, “we must reserve for ourselves neither place, nor hour, nor time.” When one of the fathers of the Congregation refused to answer the door to those who came for confession or alms, because he was saying his prayers, St Philip would have none of it. He admonished him and the other fathers and brothers that when they were called for, they were to come immediately, no matter if they were praying or anything else, for in doing so they would be “leaving Christ for Christ.”
Ora et Labora. Most of the time, we can pray and work. But definitely there are times, when we need to give undivided attention to pray and to perform our obligations.
The problem arises when other members of the family don't share our faith nor do they understand our need to focus our being with the Lord.
Yesterday I had a bad day that I don’t get a interview for a job for 5 weeks and month but blessed be God... I got a interview! And I hope god can put Bernadette in my path for my future holy wife and love. I love her ❤
Yes! Very good thoughts. Quality time with family is necessary, because it won't always be available. God Bless.
Thank you Fr Mike for the clarity on prayer and responsibilities 🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻
Thank you God for working through Fr. Mike so much and granting him such wisdom!
I don't know anyone in the world, digital and otherwise, who is a better catechist than Fr. Mike. I claim that as a man who has been more critical of the clerical class than anyone else in the world, while still abiding in the morals/faith and dogmatic/doctrinal teachings of the Church. Fr. Mike in true humility probably doesn’t realize he is a saintly man (if not a saint, certainly a saint in the making); and it occurred to me that every saint, and every saint in the making, always reside firmly in the concrete world, not getting lost in the weeds of academic high abstraction. He is truly a gift from God.
Difficult to hear, but love this Fr. Mike. If the children and grandchildren are seeing on a regular basis weekly every other week once a month then just going to them and say hey, I do miss you. Can we do this more often they should be open for that and do it with the love of Christ in our hearts serving him while living on their family.
Father Mike: You rock. Great analysis in balancing obligations with prayer. Practical coupled with internal wisdom. Doesn't get any better.
Jesus is coming back soon. Heavenly Father please keep me and my boys same from evil. Please pray for me and my children. I’m so discouraged. I’ve had people come against me that do not know me. And say my testimony isn’t real!! But OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS the truth and my heart! Prayers are all I truly NEED and want. Jesus hear my prayers. I still trust in you and will keep my faith even though it is so very difficult at this time. I’m constantly faced with hardships and can barely support my two sons and myself. After losing my job for declining the vaccine. I’m a single mom and I’m discouraged. Both of my children are autistic. I am working so please don’t pity me. I’m just not making enough to get by. I know God doesn’t give us more than we can handle I will keep faith even though I truly want to give up. Jesus hear my prayers and keep me and my kids safe.
I’m not Catholic, I’m non denominational and I’ve struggled to respect some Catholic ideology. My dad who is Catholic and I argue A LOT; That said, I have a lot of respect for you Father Mike. It would be nice to meet you in person someday.
I did a grave deed over this topic. My wife was a Benedictine oblate. She prayed several times a day and spent time copying the Rule. Instead of complaining to her and finding a compromise I went directly to her spiritual director my priest and said she was spending so much time in prayer she was neglecting her marital vows. It didn't work she relapsed into her addiction and ended up neglecting her marital vows anyway and died in the end. I should have been pleased she was fervently praying.
The video Fr MIke says that prayer shouldn't be a reason as to not fulfil your obligations.
my condolences ❤🫂
Pray in the morning to start the day and ask God for guidance and protection. In the evening to thank for the day no matter what.
The relationship with God is primary.
The corollary to this is: Is it possible to waste too much time and not have time to pray, obligations and other relationships aside.
Thanks Father Mike! Well balanced.
Excellent thing to give a lot of thought about... Lots to ponder.. thank you
Wow needed to hear this today for sure. Thank you Father for this video. Thank you Holy Spirit for putting this on Fr. Mikes heart to talk about. 🙏🏼
I appreciate this very much, Father. I have three neurodivergent children, and we have been really struggling in the mornings with our morning routines. Your video helped me to realize that my hour long morning prayer routine is not helping the problem. So I'm going to reduce the number of prayers I say in the morning and just stick to the Morning Offering, your Bible in a Year and a Divine Mercy chaplet, and ask my guardian angel to say the rest for me, which will significantly cut down on my morning prayer time. Hopefully that will allow me to be more present with my children in the morngings and will allow for a smoother transition.
Pray without ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17. I think we're meant to be praying quite a lot. Does anyone actually have the problem of praying too much? The experience of 99% of Christians is that praying at all is a struggle! Finding the time, staying focused and developing the habit etc...
This passage means to always be prayerful and aware of God throughout the day, rather than literally praying ceaselessly in the strict sense.
your actions can be prayers
@@elizabetharr8551 how
@@Hadrianus01 Sorry, I didn't realise that you were a fundamentalist. My local Catholic priest told me verbatim what I wrote, and it seemed quite sensible given that it is impossible to pray all day.
Similarly, Jesus describes Himself as a door in the Gospel of St. John. It would be odd to take His metaphor literally, and think of Our Lord as a piece of wood.
Catholics interpret the Word of God quite differently in such cases to many Protestants. We know that metaphors, parables, and similies are not meant to be taken literally, or that impossible demands, such as to "pray ceaselessly", cannot be taken as literal statements of instruction.
@@DanielÓNiadh
My priest said some thing, along your lines. So I often elevate my mind to God and simply say "thank you for this."
Just discovered you here Fr. Mike. Through you, I hear His voice again. Thank you.
Beautifully put; I love to pray but also thanks for the reminder that we must live out our prayer in taking care of others. The adult child could join her parents at church to pray also….This talk may have taken to the third try but it’s worth it!
To much time serving the local parish or things like KofC, diocesan counsel, the deaconate formation, etc..is an understatement in our house growing up. Oddly enough the Diocese awarded the sacrifices we had to make and TOTALLY abandoned my Deacon father.
I wonder sometimes why I'm Catholic, however, humans didn't establish Christianity, Jesus Christ did.
It has totally crushed his heart.
Great words as usual, Father. I'm fully aware that I do not pray enough. It depends on each individual and their circumstances. As long as i have a good relationship with God its good enough for me. We can't compare the levels of the relationship.
Thank you, Father Mike. I always learn from your videos.
Thank you Fr. Mike. I really needed to hear this today!!! Blessings.
Very Powerful
I need this, thank you so much from Colombia🙏🏽🇨🇴
I think saint sister Faustina Kowalska in her diary wrote, that one day she prayed 1000 Hail Maries but not missing out any of her daily duties. So, she made an emphasis on both: prayers and duties.
Thank you Father Mike….always,common sense prevails……in our Prayers Grateful for your ministry.
Thank you Father
Great topic of conversation... Thank you for your insight Fr. Mike!
Loved it!!! It is how you make people feel when wanting to spend time with someone, while allowing them to know you are aware of their dedication to something else, but yet express how you want to spend time with them as well. Kindness is the best way while allowing for the desires in their life and yours. Works both ways. ❤ beautiful
Life can be a prayer!
This is another video I needed to hear.
I agree. My relationship with Jesus Christ is my top priority. He is number one in my life, family number two and neighbour is number three.🙏🙏.
Our every action, every day can be a prayer to God when we dedicate them to Him. The Morning Offering - "I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings...". The housework we do, the work outside the home, every action large and small is a prayer to God when we ask Him to bless us and bless the actions. From Salesian spirituality, before they do anything, when they move from one activity to another they try to say - "My God I give you this action, please give me the grace to conduct myself in a manner most pleasing to you. May God be blessed.”
But, do remember the balance for the work you do for God away from the home vs. the work God needs you to do IN your home. Don't let your marriage or children ever become the victims of your chosen apostolate - no matter how laudable it may be. Your marriage is a sacrament and your children the result of that sacrament and sacraments deserve protection and respect in a unique manner.
Your thoughts are always a light.
That was a question I had about prayer this makes so much so sense . I do pray all day but I also go to church / Glory nights praising God , now I want to maybe go to a nursing home and pray the rosary for whom ever do you think that would be good to do ?
Word. If prayer interferes with one's obligations, the most important of which is charity, then yes it is too much.
Pray without ceasing. By words an by actions.
This video has shed light on my situation. I have fallen in love with the Lord so much and I want to spend time in Adoration but my husband complains I pray too much.
👍👍👍Thank you
Thank you, I had asked my parish priest the same thing.
The bible says pray unceasingly so eyes of soul on God continually is aim. You can pray and do other things according to orthodox.
1 thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing
Pray a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus starting June 7, with the intention of a rained-out baseball game on June 16 in Los Angeles, and the conversion of sinners.
I pray at anytime. I pray working in the yard or just outside or at work even while I'm driving. But I still pay attention to my wife and children
Understand what pag without ceasing really means. Use God's gift of discernment and intellect to identify the right balance. Set a well planned regimen on all your daily activities. Stick to it and update periodically. Pray, fast and do charity works to offer for your petition in discerning the right balance. Congrats.
Father Mike, thank you❗️you answer questions I have never even thought to ask 🙏
Actually i just realised that I do not pray enough 😂, but true, balance is the key, pray and fullfil your obligations and never forget our lord
Work, in and of itself, cannot become Prayer, but we can infuse work with a form of Mental Prayer, even with quiet vocal prayers. All of us are called to pray unceasingly. Prayer is the Foundation of all our activities.
Amen. From France
Thanks Fr. Mike. Very good and practical advise.
Yes. Goodnight.
Very hard subject, especially as it varies so much from one person to another. YET You did a good job of helping people to come to and understanding. Congrats :)
I am guilty of spending too much time volunteering at Church and I did neglect my husband and my family! I was naive and misguided. My husband and I divorced after 38 years. I am so very sorry and regretful.
It takes two (well 3 counting God) to make a marriage work.
Thank you Fr Mike..this has been a source of confusion for me thank you for addressing this. It's so timely for me.
Greetings 🫖☕ good morning 🌞 from California prayer has always made me feel better and has helped me to overcome all the bad from life💜 I was thinking about how God feels when people deny his son Jesus 🙏 denial is very painful Jesus told Peter he would deny him 3 times
Greetings Father Mike,
-> Message reflect with, "The Spiritual Responsibility towards Lord Jesus Christ and Moral Responsible Gestures towards One's Own Personal Life in every aspects."
-> Key Context = "Supportive Family Prayers towards Lord Jesus Christ is Vital to Spiritual and Social Well being in all aspects of Life."
-> Thanks for Insightful message, Father.
With regards and Prayers,
Ranjith Joseph (R.J)
I am a Christian, but I am studying this religion because I have friends that are Catholic and in order for me to be a witness and to tell others about Christ I have to study where they come from. I know prayer is not too much or you can never pray too much because the Bible clearly says pray without ceasing. That doesn’t mean pray All day and not do anything else, pray continuously for others and never stop because prayer is the key that unlocks the doors to the things of God!
Bless you!
Did you watch the video or you just came to pontificate ?
Thanks Fr Mike! Your sharing has helped recheck my prayer life.
Thank you. This is exactly an answer to prayer. Very timely. Thank you.
Thanks
Pray constantly
Father Mike, could you please talk about the military and if is it okay for a Catholic person to join the military if it means potentially taking the life of someone
Great perspective Fr. Mike! Thanks for the insight!
I was thinking back and quite a few years ago I was unemployed for about a year. Day time TV was enough to make my brain explode so i had nothing to do besides of my work outside. I spent hours and hours in prayer and I did get an answer. It was a strange and startling path that i was taken along but I don't believe i found that path on my own to a new career. I actually did pray without ceasing because i was just getting, hate to say, high. I used the time in prayer to not think about that and not use.
I glanced at the thumbnail and I thought it said player. I thought, well this is going to be interesting..lol
We have not forgotten to pray for you over on the CIY in a year so please know that your brothers and sisters in Christ have you in their prayers. Please pray for us too if you can but if not its ok.
There are many adult kids now who expect their mom to provide full time free child care. It's good to ask your family members to invest in a good relationship. It's quite another thing to expect them to deal with your responsibilities.
That is aperfect explanation.youtruly know how to say things the correct way.
No wonder you are called all over to speak.
Precious moments
Very good advice.
Thanks Fr x
It's possible to pray many times a day = rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet, chaplet of St. Anthony de Padua, Seven Sorrows of Mary, etc.
When I'm in the middle of prayer, especially a long set prayer like the rosary, and I receive a phone call, I know that my prayer has been answered. Indeed, God's answer is the phone call. Welcome the interruptions
Thank you!
Well I have an opposite issue.
I am 76 grandma and I would spend every waking minute with my family if I could but they really don’t want me to.
I’m not a bad person and I enjoy their company but there’s some issues from the past that they can’t let go of.
I would love to have someone tell me they would like to have me around more. But they don’t.
I try to be enjoyable, but there are issues and that’s really sad.
I could say that to them but they don’t respond. They think it’s just Criticism.
Ideas?
That makes me sad.
No ideas other than asking the Holy Family to help heal your family, but I am sure you are already doing that as you are listening to Fr. Mike. I'll add your family to my family's prayers.
“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." -Matthew 10:21-22
Amen
This is quite helpful and useful tips
The BVM wants everyone to keep her company in the mediation of the Rosary Mysteries. She loves it.
There should be an encore to this video of 'I am suffering too much?' or how much suffering is too much and no longer godly or holy but intolerable and inhumane ... Diary of St. Faustina 343
POWERFUL!
My dad‘s mother prayed all the time. Morning noon night, coming home in the car she would sit across the backseat with the dome light on their fancy car and a flashlight and say her prayers then. it seemed like it never stopped. But when I got a little older and I could understand a little better, a lot better the reason grandma prayed so much was because my grandfather was not a good man, my grandfather was a gangster. During varying times of their lives, my father would be pulled out of school Catholic school because they would have to leave the country for a little while. My dad saw the world on the wall next to me is a framed copy of when they met the pope in 1947 and the cross that he gave my father. My grandmother insisted that they go to Rome on one of their getaways. my dad always told the stories and they just drew you in what would happen when they knew because they’ve been tipped off that the cops were coming and they had to take knocked down all of the operation and if you came and saw me and we got on a train I could take you right to the train stop where the building still stands and take you to the back and show you where the wires were for the ponies. My grandmother was always scared. She had survived the first world war, safe here, and to being Catholic, to marry my grandfather. So we. Kids dad was An only child, love to hear the stories. But when I got older, I realized that grandma was so afraid that all she could do was pray to God that nothing ever happened to her husband and her only child. She lost at least four children and my would have been. Aunt Kathy died when she was three days old. Grandma was afraid something would happen that would take my dad away from her so she prayed. As I got older as I got smarter as that became a parent, and I understood the bond that I had between my children and myself, I understood why
Grandma prayed.
I pray the Rosary every morning (for no particular intention) because when i die I will be SCREAMING FOR HER!!! I hope She isn't offended but She is my Ace just in case. I'm beginning to understand "Jesus I Trust in You" and that it may mean me too.
What about praying too much due to scrupulousity? Even if you get your chores done, can’t it feed that OCD tendency in a way?
Yes. We should pray, but not do so compulsively. God bless.
yeah, I try to prioritize honest conversation and being with God/meditating on scripture over I Need To Recite These Specific Prayers Every Single Day Or Else, because the latter can turn into a compulsion for me, you know? not that having a routine is bad! you just have to be aware. prayer is your relationship with God.
I'll be honest, I've never considered praying too much might be a problem, but maybe because I spent so much of my life not doing it. But that's me and everyone has their own take on things I guess.
This was great 😊
Can you make a video on actual limitations vs excuses. In life some people are at a physical disadvantage for certain jobs (playing sports with asthma); would refusing a job be an excuse because with Gods help and hard work your can be successful, or would your limitation be a way for God to say that this job isn’t for you.
I pray a lot. I think I might be in a "catch-22." I pray that God will help me with my obligations and relationships. [I actually pray about everything.] Now looking at this, all the time I have been praying, I might have been spending time fulfilling my obligations and working on relationships. Hmm....
Father, Please pray for my family and I. I end up having to pray a lot, because my family and I are often under spiritual demonic attack. It is very real, and I don't know the reasons for it. I have tried everything it seems from living a sacramental life to closing doors or cutting suspected ties, and even spiritual deliverance. Yet the attacks come and go. I don't know what I am doing wrong.
which is bedder a person who sins or a person wha judges a sinners ?
Wow. Great video!
I am so afraid of what is going on in our world now. There is so much moral depravity that I don't want to go out in the world. I wish I could be like the nuns that are cloistered. I attend mass every day, and I feel safe there. I wish I could dedicate my life to prayer all the time. How can we have saints today because we just can't pray all day. I love Wilhelmina!