Have we lost touch with the prayers that shield us in spiritual warfare?
In this episode of “The Catholic Talk Show,” Ryan Scheel, Ryan Dellacrosse, and Father Rich Pagano discuss the waning emphasis on spiritual warfare and crucial prayers that once stood as pillars in the Catholic tradition!
“Prayer has to be appreciated holistically; it is an operation and action of mind, heart, body, and soul,” Father Pagano says.
A great example of this is the Saint Michael Prayer, conceived during a turbulent period in Church history and once recited after every Low Mass. Scheel shares that it was “written by Pope Leo after he had a vision where Satan claimed he could destroy the Church if given 75 years” and is particularly potent for combating spiritual darkness.
Another underappreciated one he says is The Jesus Prayer, or the Breath Prayer, known not just for its spiritual efficacy but also for its physical impact: “The Jesus Prayer (‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner’) involves your whole body. Your whole being starts to change to reflect the state of prayer.”
Unfortunately, these prayers and others, like praying for the souls in purgatory, are traditions the guys feel are fading away.
“Praying for the holy souls in purgatory is so necessary; they are crying out for our prayers, and it’s fallen out of practice,” Scheel says.
This shift away from traditional prayers might have significant implications for both individual spirituality and the wider Church. The guys believe these crucial aspects of Catholic spirituality merit rejuvenation, especially in a world increasingly indifferent to spiritual warfare.
“Our prayers are not just for ourselves; they are communal. There’s a calming rhythm of breathing and prayer that centers you into the mystery of humbling yourself before God and others,” Father Pagano says.
Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of these prayers, especially with the moral and societal shifts we’re seeing, is key to a revival of faith today. Are you ready to integrate powerful prayers and more into personal, family, and parish life?
Watch below 👇
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