Podcasts about Inner Life

This three-part series kicks off with John and Blaine Eldredge talking about the lost art of noticing what God is up to in our lives—not just today but over time. While clarity is essential, the ultimate goal is to come into alignment with what God is doing. How do we do that? In Part 1, John and Blaine lay a solid foundation by revealing three specific suppositions for discerning God's work in our lives so we can join him there.Show Notes: The books referenced are The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis, Now and Then by Frederick Buechner, and The Inner Chamber and the Inner Life by Andrew Murray. The “3 Presuppositions for Discerning God's Work in Your Life” are: 1) God is speaking to all people at all times.2) Most people don't learn to discern God's work in isolation.3) God is interested in intimacy—and that means conversation, not observation._______________________________________________There is more.Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Ask us at Questions@WildatHeart.orgSupport the mission or find more on our website: WildAtHeart.org  or on our app.Apple: Wild At Heart AppAndroid: Wild At Heart AppWatch on YouTubeThe stock music used in the Wild at Heart podcast is titled “When Laid to Rest” by Patrick Rundblad and available here.More pauses available in the One Minute Pause app for Apple iOS and Android.Apple: One Minute Pause AppAndroid: One Minute Pause App

(3:23) Fr. Allen Hoffa joins to talk about chastity. (20:06) Relevant Radio's Sacred Music App helped me overcome impure thoughts. (25:20) Break 1 (27:11) How can I explain chastity to teenagers and the beginning to date? (33:46) Start with A to Z when educating our young people on chastity. (36:31) Robert - Marriage and having a healthy sexual life. What is borderline when I look at my wife? I sometimes get a real deep desire for my wife. What is sin and what is acceptable? (40:33) Break 2 (46:06) Patrick - How do chemical bonds play into chastity?

(2:54) Fr. Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Catholic Education (11:33)– Patty - Has the catechesis gotten watered down over the years? How can we bring it back better? (18:42) – Alice - I didn't go to college because i thought i would leave the faith (22:21) Break 1 23:54 - Kay - 12 years of Catholic school and i loved it dearly 31:51 – Frances - Worked in Catholic school for 2 decades and not all teachers hired were catholic at my school (39:40) Break 2 (47:06) – Luz - I owe everything to my catholic education

On today's Inner Life with Patrick Conley, Msgr. Tom Richter joins to discuss the 6th foundation of prayer, purification. (2:41) Msgr. Tom Richter joins to discuss purification (3:17) The foundations of prayer (19:41) Break 1 (30:31) How do I distinguish between the dark night of the soul and spiritual desolaton? (30:47) God never does anything to our hearts to make us “sad” about following Him. (41:29) Break 2 (42:33) Tessa – I feel like God is just ignoring me. I feel the temptation that God has given up on me. Is this from the devil? (43:26) God is giving you a chance to experience a deeper faith and live by that faith.

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins to discuss the essentials of Confession and why we go. - 4:15 Melania - what is a General Confession? - 11:52 Confession isn't like a car wash... - 14:46 Break 1 Dawn - How do I overcome avoiding Confession while I am overcoming drug addiction? - 29:30 Break 2 Carina - What if one doesn't really want to change? - 42:21 Shannon - How to get better at confessing venial sins - 47:00

Fr. John Eckert joins to discuss grief (3:03) Acknowledging the sadness and recognizing the separation and being in front of our Lord in the Tabernacle and be in Adoration. He knows your heart and He wants you to share those things with Him. (13:17) Break 1 Mandy - God's presence during a hard time in my life with grief. My daughter passed 2 years ago. She was a newborn. I felt God's presence during that time (3:06) Break 2 Kathy I just lost my 2nd husband in July. I lost my first after 35 years of marriage 15 years ago. I don't know how people get through this without their faith. (40:50)

The Rebbe explains that Chai Elul infuses vitality into all areas of service, especially Torah. Torah without yiras Shamayim can lack life, but learning Chassidus—the “tree of life”—brings true love and awe of Hashem, giving soul to Torah study. This prepares for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, to be inscribed for a good year. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/elul/1192

Fr. Marc Lenneman joins Patrick to discuss this Sunday’s Gospel from John 3:13-17 Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night because he doesn’t understand how it is possible to be born again. Here we have the theme of salvation and eternal life being introduced in the Gospel of John for the first time. Also, the cross is a place of reality and it is a place where God’s love confronts our sins. We need to get back to the reality that Jesus is active in the World today. The way in which he fights is different but He is in our midst and manifesting His love as mercy. The cross is at the center of everything and it is where the love of God brings peace. It overcomes the chaos and overcomes the evil. (2:31) Everything I learned abut love I learned by looking at the Cross Peter - How does the sin against the Holy Spirit come into play? We become like that which we contemplate Patricia - The agony in the garden is related to what the Father was saying...he took on all of our sins and I had a reflection in Adoration 11 years ago I wanted share.

Fr. Ryan Brady joins Patrick to discuss Faith's Role in Tragedy Father shares his story and where he was during 9/11 (13:27) what is the community’s role when going through traumatic events? (15:23) Addison - My husband's birthday is today. On his 21st b-day, the planes hit. It was probably the hardest day of his life. His mom also passed from Covid. It's definitely been hard, but in the hardest times, our faith has been the safe place. (19:47) Robert - So much bad happening right now. Going through crisis. We also have faith and Jesus's apostles all suffered...we draw solace from it. (28:45) Break 1 Mickey - My brother is being buried today. Riding a bike and a car crashed and killed him instantly. He was a veteran. after 9/11, he reenlisted. All of this tragedy, makes me as a Catholic, believe in God more and to be thankful to God for peace during this time. (35:57) Ona Lee - I am the mom of Fr. Steve McGraw who was a 9/11 first responder. Took a wrong turn. Just ordained 3 months. God took him along the road and he landed in front of the Pentagon when the plane was crashing. By the grace of God...Fr. Steve was able to go there and give the last rites to 1 or 2 people. He was able to visit for many years many of the people affected. (41:13) Break 2 Eduardo - Our freewill and how God gave it to us and how we've abused it with everything happening right now. How can we have hope through difficult times.

Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss Living in Joy (4:47) What does it mean to possess Joy in the presence of God? How is joy more than a feeling? (13:21) John - The challenges of living with Joy from people living with trauma and psychiatric conditions. Interested in getting feedback on joy is not a feeling and people can find a sense of peace and joy if they are survivors of pretty bad stuff. (21:16) Break 1 Maria - Living in Joy is living in the presence of Jesus even if you're going through suffering. If he's first, even if you're not showing joy and there's joy in your heart which is the joy of Christ. Everything is higher with Jesus. (29:05) how do you find joy in hard times in life? (33:27) Heidi - A priest once told me that joy stands for J is for Jesus, O is for others and Y is for yourself. Serving others and not being selfish. Recipe for joy. Helped me from being selfish. (37:00) Break 2 Grant - In years past, I struggled with depression. I had the conscious knowledge and knew what was good, but felt I was lacking joy. I'm in a better place now, but at the time it was quite difficult. (44:53) Regina - How does joy relate to Our Lady of Sorrows? How does Joy help us evangelize?

Fr. John LoCoco joins Patrick to discuss Dependency on God (3:36) what is the importance of dependency of God? (7:51) How does God make himself Dependent on us? (21:42) Break 1 (23:13) Margaret - When I was becoming Catholic, I had a devotion to a particular Novena. I got was pretty much equivalent to a medical miracle. Next time wasn't a miracle but got better result. I was learning that each time I prayed, I've gotten more of a result about patience or a plan different than I thought. Amazing to me how those results come to me. (33:04) Email – how do I become dependent on God without losing out accountability? (40:03) Break 2 How can I practice dependency in our daily lives? (43:49) Email – Testimony on the need for God being shown through his weakness. How are our longing suggestions of our need for God?

Check out this second instalment of this series on foundations of prayer June 24, 2025 Msgr. Thomas Richter joins Patrick to Discuss 6 Foundations of Prayer (part 2) What is the origin of the 6 foundations of prayer? (6:04) what are the first 3 foundations of prayer? (20:10) Break 1 (21:33) Fourth foundation of prayer- Pray from the Heart. (36:40) Break 2 (37:44) Michael - Question about my struggles with temptation. Struggling with pornography and temptation and feeling unworthy and staying away because of shame. How do I overcome that? How can I feel God’s love in a time of unrest?

Check out this third instalment of our discussion on prayer from July 30, 2025 Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick to discuss 6 Foundations of Prayer (part 3) (2:30) Father recaps the first four foundations of faith (18:44) Break 1 (20:18) 5th foundation of prayer: Humility. (37:47) Break 2 (38:59) 6th foundation of prayer: Purification (46:57) Regina - Humility...all the good things God gives people. What if you've been handled lousy things like an abusive family? Where's the goodness of God?

Check out the first of this series on prayer from May 21, 2025 Msgr. Tom Richter joins Patrick to Discuss 6 Foundations of Prayer (Part 1) (4:01) why is it important to develop foundations of prayer? (11:05) First foundation of prayer: Awakened Faith (20:20) Break 1 David - How can I get more awaken faith if I already experience it in the past, but it has fallen away? How to reinvigorate the awaken faith and bringing it back? (26:07) What is the second foundation of faith: Getting God Right. (40:32) Break 2 Patrick shares an email about offering daily activities in getting God right? (41:46) Third foundation of prayer: The Cross

Check out this great show from August 26, 2025 Fr. Sam Martin joins Patrick to discuss Peace During Change (2:59) Change is around us all the time. Why does change shake us in our lives? (13:17) Jessica - I have a couple of his graduates going to college. People keep passing away. Trying to keep positive during change. (20:08) Break 1 (21:52) Linda - I'm a 77-year-old grandmother. Last September my son passed from a heart attack. I've had a lot of change over the last year. I'm going through all the motions because the help of my faith. Looking for encouragement and help through the grief. (35:31) Karen - 25 years ago...in a year, my kids grew up and left, elderly relative passed away, husband had a medical crisis, I had to get a job which I hadn't done for 20 years. Everything I knew about my life changed. Spent close to 2 years hating life and hit a wall or God and said, 'I give up.' I simply accepted this is my life and things changed for the better and opportunities opened up. (41:05) Beak 2 Jo Ann - Life just took everything away from me. I sat down on the couch and couldn't get up. Couldn't go to Mass. Never stopped praying, but my faith was there and felt that God was guiding me. When I did get help, it was my faith that got me through. God is good! We need to trust in him and he has a plan. (48:04) What are ways we can find peace in our lives?

Fr. Peter Armenio joins Patrick to discuss Sanctifying Work What is the importance of work? (8:41) why is there dignity in work? (21:00) Break 1 (22:12) Nick - I think of Social Teaching and the rights and dignity of workers. In the precepts, we're told to support the church financially. In retirement, give your calendar to the Lord and he'll fill it in for you. When we retire, our greatest work is thinking of God more and he fills it in for us. Mary Lou - Thanks for the reminder that my work is sacred. I'm a hairdresser. Reminded me of a project I have coming up and how meaningless and tedious it seems compared to my spiritual life, but this woman likes to talk about the Lord. She's not Catholic, but it might be a way to talk about Jesus to her. (30:37) Email from Mary – Can you cut corners if you have to in order to get your work done? What does it mean to sanctify our work? (40:40) Break 2 (45:05) Charles - I'm a retired crime scene investigator. Witnessed many murders. Throughout my career, I realized maybe nobody was praying for this person before they died. At some point, I started praying as I responded to the crime scene. Wanted to share that if there are other officers listening.

Check out this classic show from September 13, 2023, where our guest Father Chris Walsh joins Patrick to discuss the crosses we bare for the love of Christ.

In this final sermon in our Proverbs series, Pastor Kevin looks at what Proverbs says about the inner life. Proverbs teaches that the heart is the inner life—the wellspring of thoughts, desires, and choices that directs everything we do. Scripture helps us diagnose the heart as prone to sin, deceit, and divided affections, while also showing how it is shaped by external influences such as people, words, wealth, and suffering. And as sinners, sufferers, and saints, we experience this reality in all its depth—yet through the gospel of grace in Christ, God restores the heart, cleansing it, giving new desires, and filling it with wisdom and life.

Sink deep roots in Christ and you will keep growing upward. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon's wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

Unlimited Touch; Chambers Brothers; Gwen McCrae; Freda Payne; Gerasimos Lavranos; Peki Momés; Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng; Inner Life; Tempest Trio; Kool G Rap; Q-Tip; Aisha; Valerie Stuart with Black Heart; Janet Kay; Al Campbell; more.

Check out this great show form August 29, 2023 Father Rob Kroll joins Patrick to discuss Contemplation (4:03) What is Prayer? How do the three types of prayer, vocal, meditative and contemplative, connect with each other. (20:02) Rosemary - My mind is either blank many times or I start thinking about things going on in my day and get discouraged. (25:41) Break 1 How can you rest in the Lords presence by blanking your mind. (32:02) Carlos - First time practicing contemplation this morning. Amazed at what he received from the Lord. Glad you're talking about this today. Terri - When I try contemplative prayer, I almost feel like it's offensive to God like not giving it all. (39:13) Break 2 Monica - Has 8 kids. Homeschooled. Very busy and really longing to grow in prayer. It started with sleeping, washing dishes, being with children and coming into union with God. (46:52) Anna - Prayer also begins with what we do before or after prayer. How much time to we spend being stimulated by the world? Resources: Fr. Thomas Merton, Contemplative Prayer https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/351723.Contemplative_Prayer CS Lewis, Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Malcolm-Chiefly-C-S-Lewis/dp/0156027666 Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M., Prayer Primer https://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/prayer-primer-igniting-a-fire-within Fr. Thomas Dubay, S.M., Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel—on Prayer​ https://ignatius.com/fire-within-fwp/ Fr. Jacques Philippe, Time for God https://scepterpublishers.org/products/copy-of-time-for-god?srsltid=AfmBOopzvCN9XxB6XBd3ZwdGmgZznUzCbOAdZHvTO-f_wu2_Duyi9qLe&variant=42370443542705 Peter Kreeft, Prayer for Beginners https://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/prayer-for-beginners Fr. Thomas Acklin and Fr. Boniface Hicks, Personal prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father's Love https://stpaulcenter.com/product/personal-prayer-a-guide-for-receiving-the-fathers-love/

Fr. Tom McCarthy joins Patrick to discuss St. Augustine and Conversion (4:46) Father shares the story of Saint Augustine. How is Augustine’s story similar to our story? (16:29) Nick - Love St. Augustine. Reminds me of how merciful the Lord is. Very important to know how easy it is to be forgiven. Need to overcome bad habits. When we look at St. Monica and St. Augustine. Conversion not just a onetime thing...ongoing. (20:25) Break 1 Email – How can I discern whether I am truly living my conversion? (28:54) Joanna - Today is my birthday and he is my saint. I was raised Catholic and my grandmother raised me that way. I want to provide the same unconditional love she provided and showed me through St. Augustine. Ann - I live on St. Augustine Drive! Never thought about it when we moved here, but I've lived here since 1958. My husband became a permanent deacon and served the Diocese of Orange. Enjoy Relevant Radio. (34:35) Tom - I was a wandering Catholic and ended up in Paris. Friend had a record that had a Bob Dylan song that was about St. Augustine. I knew that I was kind of living like him (Augustine) and listened to it constantly. Went to a party and something happened where I ended up at a Cathedral and told God I was lost and needed him. Came back to the church. (39:07) Break 2 What is the importance of looking at both the good and the bad when it comes to your life? (44:22) Carol - Not being able to let go of a sin...come out of confession with a spiritual change, but hearts don't let go because they don't know a new normal. Conversion brings peace. Resources: Augustinian Vocations of North America https://www.beafriar.org/

Fr. Bobby Blood joins Patrick to discuss Fallen Away Children: Saint Monica Father gives insights and inspiration on the shooting at the MN Catholic School. (13:32) Who was St Monica? How do our prayers affect the salvation of other people? (20:19) Break 1 (29:11) Lu - Our son passed away last October. He was fallen away. It's been difficult because he had all the sacraments. Anything that can help me with that? Linda - My children are in their 40s. Both fell away from the faith and stayed away for years. My husband and I prayed to St. Monica for years. Now, both are back in the church. I believe that prayers work. (36:33) Break 2 (38:02) Stacy - Want to share...As a fallen away child who fell away and came back. The reason I came back. I went to Catholic school until 6th grade. I didn't pay attention as a child and didn't interest me. Making so many mistakes, I finally officially turned my life over to Jesus. Love the Catholic faith now. (41:52) Email – how do you pray hard? How can you talk with your child about coming back to the Church without being nagging? (47:22) Isabelle - I have a son, 66 years old, all the sacraments. 14 years and he doesn't want to have anything to do with me. He says he's an atheist. It really bothers me. What do I do?

Fr. Sam Martin joins Patrick to discuss Peace During Change (2:59) Change is around us all the time. Why does change shake us in our lives? (13:17) Jessica - I have a couple of his graduates going to college. People keep passing away. Trying to keep positive during change. (20:08) Break 1 (21:52) Linda - I'm a 77-year-old grandmother. Last September my son passed from a heart attack. I've had a lot of change over the last year. I'm going through all the motions because the help of my faith. Looking for encouragement and help through the grief. (35:31) Karen - 25 years ago...in a year, my kids grew up and left, elderly relative passed away, husband had a medical crisis, I had to get a job which I hadn't done for 20 years. Everything I knew about my life changed. Spent close to 2 years hating life and hit a wall or God and said, 'I give up.' I simply accepted this is my life and things changed for the better and opportunities opened up. (41:05) Beak 2 Jo Ann - Life just took everything away from me. I sat down on the couch and couldn't get up. Couldn't go to Mass. Never stopped praying, but my faith was there and felt that God was guiding me. When I did get help, it was my faith that got me through. God is good! We need to trust in him and he has a plan. (48:04) What are ways we can find peace in our lives?

Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick to have a Bible Study on the Sunday's readings (3:20) What is the background behind this Sunday’s Gospel passage? Father shares the Gospel from this Sunday (12:01) Father shares his thoughts on this Gospel. (22:43) Break 1 Email - What is the difference between humility and sincerity? (31:35) Sue Ley - I have somebody in my family relating to the situation Father Dave was talking about. How can I help my children to understand that we don’t want anything in return from them? (39:05) Break 2 Email – My wife is highly transactional; how do I interact with her in this? Why is it important to give without expecting anything in return? Who are some good saints to helps learn the truth about ourselves?

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2025.08.24 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* Video of this talk is available at: https://www.youtube.com/live/GNWZPl_vKbk?si=9K-QkM0Ev6ctFiuL. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/23985/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

This talk was given by Gil Fronsdal on 2025.08.24 at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA. ******* Video of this talk is available at: https://www.youtube.com/live/GNWZPl_vKbk?si=9K-QkM0Ev6ctFiuL. ******* A machine generated transcript of this talk is available. It has not been edited by a human, so errors will exist. Download Transcript: https://www.audiodharma.org/transcripts/23985/download ******* For more talks like this, visit AudioDharma.org ******* If you have enjoyed this talk, please consider supporting AudioDharma with a donation at https://www.audiodharma.org/donate/. ******* This talk is licensed by a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License

Fr. Daniel Klimek joins Patrick to discuss the Queenship of Mary Father shares his new book about the Rosary (5:58) Why is Mary a queen? How does Marian devotion help us in our lives? (21:14) What is the importance of the crowning of Mary in the mysteries of the Rosary? (27:00) Break 1 (32:13) How can the Queen ship of help if we unite devotion to her with prayer and fasting? (41:26) Mireya - Something I heard from a listener from a few years ago, something I do now...offer 3 Ave Marias. That's how I honor her and my children do this as well.

Fr. John Gordon joins Patrick to discuss Keeping the Faith through Challenges (4:02) - What is the purpose of Challenges in life? How does suffering sanctify us? (17:15) Joseph - I'm going through some anxiety and paranoia right now, but I'm a firm believer. I know I have a great faith in God. Right now as I'm going through some health issues, I pray to not worry, but I still have that fear. I know the evil is trying to work on me. How can I overcome it? (27:00) Break 1 How can we regulate our emotions when dealing with challenging situations? (31:32) Nancy - In 2017, I had been diagnosed with arthritis and other ailments. They didn't have my meds worked out well, and one night my left shoulder felt like a hot stabbing pain. I looked at the crucifix and said, 'Oh dear Lord, how did you ever carry that cross?' I heard a voice that said, 'I saw your face.' I learned you have to be very specific to God. I was in such awe. Then, the pain stopped and haven't had it since. (40:23) Cindy - I'm experiencing challenges with news about my dog. I'm a person of faith and have faith in the Lord, but what do I do when things like this happen in our lives? How do we know if it's a spiritual battle or God's will?

Fr. Allen Hoffa joins Patrick to discuss The Hidden Sin (2:54) why are sins in the dark have such power over us? How does isolation make for a vicious cycle? Ted - I'm an older Catholic. I disagree that everything is hidden...everything is out in the open. There's no shame. People are encouraged to do it. (14:52) Carl - When I was younger and in the world, I was looking for love in all the wrong places. Thinking a man would make me whole and happy. Ended up getting date raped. I was so lost in my 20's. I can appreciate people who have fallen and the grace the of God. (27:00) Break 1 Jill - Is an impure thought ever a mortal sin? (30:06) Steve - Timmerie had someone on that said men think about sex every 6 to 10 seconds. I've struggled for many years. Age 60 now and I've never held a girls hand or kissed her, but I struggle with masturbation. Mike – How do you stop after you get addicted? Resources: Catholic Therapist https://catholictherapists.com/ Integrity Restored https://integrityrestored.com/ Sexaholics Anonymous https://www.sa.org/ IITAP (International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals) https://iitap.com/ CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) What is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)? Frequently Asked Questions Covenant Eyes https://www.covenanteyes.com/

Fr. Tom Wilson joins Patrick to discuss God's Calling in our Lives How do you prepare for the big things in life when discerning your call? (5:14) where do we begin when listening to the voice of God? (16:37) Scott - I've met with Fr. Tom in my late 20's about going into the priesthood. I sat with it for 25 years and finally applied at age 50. If I would have done it over, I would have started earlier, don't let fear in the way. (27:00) Break 1 Antonio - I just turned my life to God. I told him I can't do it my way anymore. (30:11) What do you do when you missed God’s calling in your life? (40:55) Nick - He speaks to us. If we follow that word from the USCCB, that he surely speaks to us through those readings. We need to be in tune with those around us as well. Daunting task...Lord, this day is Yours. Everyday means something and we need to take each day at a time. Submit, and He'll take us. How do you discern God’s voice from other voices?

IntroductionGood morning. We've been journeying through Proverbs this summer, exploring themes like justice, the poor, listening, trust, and wealth. As an executive and non-staff elder, I was asked to speak on priorities, a topic I'm deeply familiar with. I expected to find a lot about time management, but what Proverbs really emphasizes is a different kind of priority: who we are becoming over what we are doing. Tim Keller says it best: the book doesn't talk as much about how God guides as it does about who God guides.Scripture ReferencesProverbs 4:20-23, Proverbs 3:13-15, Proverbs 16:18-19, Proverbs 12:1-2, Proverbs 2:7-8, Micah 6:8, Ephesians 5:15-17Key PointsThe Primary Priority: The HeartProverbs 4:23 says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (NIV) The word "vigilance"—close and continuous attention—is used here for the only time in Proverbs. Our inner life is under attack from anxiety and fractured relationships, yet we often prioritize our to-do lists over our hearts. The true test of our inner life is our level of peace. If we don't prioritize our hearts, the "streams of life" will dry up.Three Habits to Revive the HeartPrioritizing God and His Wisdom: This is the most repeated command in Proverbs. Wisdom is more precious than jewels (Proverbs 3:13-15). It's simple, yet hard for our distracted generation. Studies show it takes over 23 minutes to refocus after distraction. To combat this, create space and silence. Consider using a pen and paper to read and journal, which boosts focus and deeper thinking.Embracing Humility: Pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). It's exhausting to carry a narrative of superiority and separates us from God and others. Humility, however, is a balm that heals. It recognizes our limitations, encourages receptiveness to correction, and leads to healing and refreshment (Proverbs 3:7-8). Turn at reproof, especially from the Lord or those who love you, and He will pour out His Spirit.Pursuing Wholeness (Integrity): Integrity, or wholeness, means living without duplicity. It's not just honesty, but the alignment of what we believe with what we do. The "crookedness of the treacherous" destroys them (Proverbs 11:3). Often, we lack integrity because we are afraid of what others will think. But the Lord is a shield to those who pursue wholeness, protecting those who take the risk to expose their fractures and secret sins (Proverbs 2:7).ConclusionOur inner lives must be a priority. We must be vigilant about our hearts, as the Lord commands. If we take up these habits—seeking wisdom, embracing humility, and pursuing wholeness—the Lord will give us back tenfold what we sacrifice, and "streams of living water" will flow from our hearts. Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.Calls to ActionAcknowledge your inner state: Take a moment to honestly assess the condition of your heart.Create time: Schedule time for God's Word, prayer, and silence to combat distraction. Consider writing by hand.Embrace Humility: Open your heart to correction from the Lord and those who care for you.Pursue Wholeness: Take the risk to expose a hidden struggle or area of your life that's fractured. Trust that the Lord will be your shield. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

Fr. Patrick Hyde joins Patrick to discuss Assumption of Mary (4:51) what is a Marian Dogma? What does God desire for us? (14:54) Why is the Assumption of Mary so late in being declared? (19:41) Break 1 Lauren - My mother died on that day and right before she died, the whole room was filled with orange blossoms. I knew she came to take my mother. (29:30) Did Mary die before she was assumed? How can we find hope in our own bodies through Mary? (39:20) Break 2 What are Holy days of Obligation? What can people do to celebrate Mary?

Fr. Joseph Johnson joins Patrick to discuss Preparing for Death Who was St. Maximilian Kolbe? (6:09) What happens when we die? (19:17) Jolene - My husband died before I could get the priest to anoint him. Did he still receive the last rites? (24:07) Break 1 What does it mean to have a happy death? (31:22) Robert - My mother told me a story about when her dad was passing away, he saw demons climbing outside the window and had a hard time dying. My mom and uncles witnessed that and said he said odd things when dying. Email - Can you go to heaven if you know Jesus but still reject him? (38:24) Break 2 What is the importance of a funeral Mass? (45:14) Nicole - I need to add this in my will. My children and siblings are not participating in having Masses said for loved ones. I wonder if my children will have Masses said for me and I need to put this in my will before I pass away. If it wasn't for me, there wouldn't be Mass intentions for those loved ones. Visit aunt and uncle often and they're not prepared spiritually. I fear they're missing that. What should I say to them to understand the importance?

Fr. Ramil Fajardo joins Patrick to discuss Sin (3:16) What is Sin? (13:14) what is the difference between a venial and a mortal sin? (18:37) Sal - My wife passed 5 years ago. I'm thinking about sins we committed when we were ignorant of our Catholic Church. How many times should I be confessing that or should I sit 1 on 1 with a priest and get it all off my chest? (23:52) Break 1 (25:42) Frank - Go to confession every 2 weeks. When priest absolves me, and ones I cannot remember...what about venial sins? I do forget some of them. Always saying prayers of contrition. How can confession help us combat sin? (38:51) Break 2 Email from someone in the state of unrepentant mortal sin. What should he do? (47:23) Ann - I go to confession frequently but tend to confess the same sins because I'm not sure if the priest understands me. I can't break the habit.

Fr. Robert Ryan joins Patrick to discuss Living Sacramentally (3:30) Father shares his testimony of how he became a priest. (10:55) What are sacraments and how are they misunderstood? (22:11) Break 1 What is the importance of proper disposition when receiving the Sacraments? (30:49) Karen - I have been going to confession weekly and also done weekly bible and catechism over a year. Cradle Catholic. Made an enormous difference in my faith life. What is the state of Grace and how does it deal with the Sacraments? Pat - in 1973, I was away from the church 10 years. I had broken every commandment. I thought I was going to hell. I had a profound encounter with Jesus in after being invited to a baptism. Stopped drinking, stopped sexual activities. I had an abortion. Attended project Rachel. I thank Jesus for what he did for me. I'm active in Rachel's Vineyard. (40:05) Break 2 Why can only Catholics receive the Eucharist? Email – should we ever tire of going to confession? (46:52) Theresa - I have reached out to my parish priest. I'm home bound and not able to go to confession. What do I do?

Fr. James Kubicki joins Patrick to discuss Living out Poverty: St Clare of Assisi (3:30) Who was St Care? When does something turn from a need to a want? (19:51) Break 1 (21:52) what does Luke teach us about poverty? (31:24) Email – How specific do we need to be about only having 1 coat? How can we reconcile the fear of Poverty with the path to Joy? Mary - I live in poverty because of an illness. Forced to retire early and go on disability. Very hard to feel afraid all the time and yet focus on higher things. God and scripture study. When you feel afraid about health, financial, that can so easily take over. (40:28) Break 2 (42:02) Vince - Father was talking about trust and how that order of nuns could have had a lot of money. What I wonder is I try to trust but I sometimes worry it might be laziness. I hope it's more that I'm trusting God. Where does trust, but actually doing things you're supposed to do...figuring out that line. Resources: Happy are You Poor: The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom https://ignatius.com/happy-are-you-poor-haypp/

Fr. Michael Hurley joins Patrick to discuss Dominican Spirituality (6:09) Who was Saint Dominic? (21:09) Break 1 Why is today the feast of Saint Dominic if he died on the 6th of August? (30:57) How did Saint Dominic help make the order flourish? (37:40) Break 2 Patrick shares an email from Monica asking about the Dominican way of praying the Rosary. (43:06) Mary - I have a family story about a grandmother who saved Dominican sisters during the Mexican revolution. Who are 3rd order Dominicans?

Fr. Ethan Southard joins Patrick to discuss Eucharistic Miracles (3:52) How is the Mass a miracle in and of itself? (11:28) what are some miracles of the Eucharist? Elsa - My mother who has dementia was hospitalized with pneumonia. Priest came to visit and gave the Eucharist. mom is non-verbal. When the priest came to anoint her, she became aware. Priest gave her the Eucharist and she began to cry. She knew Jesus was present. Such a blessing. (22:19) Break 1 Patrick – explains the Real Presence Association and how it connects with Eucharistic Miracles. (34:29) Sharon - Is there actually a procedure to follow when the Eucharist falls out of the hands of the priest and onto the floor? What is actually supposed to be done? (40:34) Break 2 Julie - My brother is a Methodist minister. I have brought to him these miracles and he says Jesus can do anything. Looking for a response to him. How do I respond to this? I only hear about in the Catholic Church. Miracle of Lanciano (46:54) Rachel - I was baptized Catholic. Spent 20s and 30s going to Mass each week. Dad told me if I stopped practicing, I couldn't take communion. I'm wanting to start going to Mass every week. When should I take the Eucharist? Resources: The Eucharistic Miracles of the World https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/Liste/list.html Real Presents Association https://realpresence.org/

Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick to discuss Beloved Child of God: Transfiguration (4:10) What is the Transfiguration? (13:45) what is the importance of Baptism in today feast? Nick - Prevailing thought Peter makes this revelation of who Christ is. He falls many times. The Lord reveals so much to us. Yet in our pride and stupidity, we have so much to improve. We can never lose sight of how much we need to be transfigured in our lives. (25:23) Break 1 How are we affiliated with God through Jesus? (31:29) Marsha - When I listen to the Gospel, you're my chosen one...I get so emotional. My family at Mass says I shouldn't be emotional. I just want to know if it's right or wrong. (35:30) Laurie - I love how he's bringing out making the transfiguration part of our lives. We'll all fall short, but to keep grasping for that transfiguration in the lives of others. (41:49) Break 2 When is it okay to tell God that I can’t handle my cross anymore?

International Leaders Bible camp from 1st to 15th August 2025

What did the temple mean to the Israelites? What did God's presence look like? Is Jesus shaping your inner life? In today's episode, Tanya shares how 1 Kings 6:14-38 reminds us that man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. If you're listening on Spotify, tell us about yourself and where you're listening from! Read the Bible with us in 2025! This year, we're exploring the Historical Books—Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passages: 1 Kings 6:14-38

Fr. Robert Kroll joins Patrick to discuss Lectio Divina (4:10) what is Lectio Diivina? How can you pray with the daily readings at Mass? (15:53) What are the steps of Lectio Divina? (22:28) Break 2 What is the importance of the setting in Lectio Divina Theresa - I did my meditation on the readings featured on the show. I did a meditation on the night my grandson had an accident. I believe my grandson is chosen by God and I am encouraging him. It's amazing to be connected to God. Crashed the day I started my consecration to the BVM. (29:21) Carol – I read about 6 devotional studies per day. One of them is the Daily Word which is kind of new age-y. I like to cross check their impression of the Bible. I will read the whole chapter and get a totally different look after reading. I love the concept of reading the meditation and then the whole chapter to see how it fits with Biblical history. (37:07) Marianne - My experience...we were reading in a prayer group...the transfiguration. Very powerful experience. (41:49) Break 2 Father shares some analogies in how Lectio Divina Resources: Lectio Divina: Renewing the Ancient Practice of Praying the Scriptures https://www.amazon.com/Lectio-Divina-Renewing-Practice-Scriptures/dp/0824517369 Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina https://ascensionpress.com/products/praying-scripture-for-a-change-an-introduction-to-lectio-divina-1?srsltid=AfmBOor4oAoiNjqmdBMV2GR6cjyO19ryuO8yrfReWRQdboeDL8upqIRi

Fr. Marcel Taillon joins Patrick to discuss Patience (3:08) How is Patience a virtue? When does impatience become a sin? (16:31) Haden - I struggle with practicing patience. It's easy to do it during my devotion to God, but the other 22 hours dealing with people that aren't with Christ...at work, on the road, etc. I need to bring it with me 24/7. (21:44) Break 1 Father answers an email from Mary who practices patience in the car. (26:45) Dave - I drive a lot. I'm aggressive. I've been taking that to the confessional. Trick I use...when I start to yell at the driver in front of me, I call him Jesus. I wouldn't call Jesus that, would I? I wouldn't tailgate Jesus, would I? This calms me down. I wouldn't treat Jesus that way. (33:12) Nicole - My own experience with patience...for a long time, I was an impatient driver and people in general. Praying the Rosary and realizing God calls us to love one another. Want to treat everyone with love now and be patient with them. (40:08) Break 2 Elaina - When I'm in traffic, I always have my duster with me, so I clean my dashboard and pray . That helps me with patience in traffic. (43:06) Belle - A friend of mine told me not to pray for patience because God will give you harder challenges to test patience. I don't know how to take that. Elisa - I had an interesting series of experiences. God was humbling and testing me. Flying into an airport and changing flights to purchase a home. Plane was delayed. I was getting extremely impatient. Kept hearing a voice saying all will be fine. I knew it was God speaking to me. Had to wait 3 hrs. Ended up meeting up with nephew. It was God's way of affirming to me all was ok. I was in his loving care. What is the importance of living in the present?

Fr. Christopher Walsh joins Patrick to discuss the Spirituality of St. Ignatius (3:25) Who was St. Ignatius of Loyola? What was his role in the Catholic Country reformation? What are the spiritual exercises? (18:45) Frank - I've been out there 42 years. It's been the biggest help of my life. It has meant so much to me and my life. (21:14) Break 1 Why are retreats helpful for us in our lives? (25:23) Elizabeth - I was involved in a program recently. It's Ignition. It's through the Los Altos retreat center. What is the missionary spirit of Saint Ignatius? (34:46) Break 2 Carlos - I never went on an Ignatian retreat, but went to Formed and had Franciscans for teachers. Jesuits in college. Asked for proof that God exists...proved the existence using Thomas Aquinas. What is the importance of education in Ignatian spirituality? (41:16) what are the Ignatian Rules for Discernment? What are some of the prayers of Saint Ignatius? Resources: The Ignatian Adventure - By: Kevin O'Brien, SJ https://store.loyolapress.com/the-ignatian-adventure