logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2022
26m 49s

Day 317: Persistence in Prayer (2022)

ASCENSION
About this episode

Fr. Mike reflects on the goodness and providence of God the Father, emphasizing how Jesus calls us to be shamelessly persistent in prayer. Fr. Mike also explains two difficult passages found in today's readings: what Jesus means when he tells the story of an unclean spirit who is cast out only to return, and what Jesus means when he says he comes not to bring peace but division. Today's readings are Luke 11-12 and Proverbs 26:7-9.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Support The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Up next
Today
Day 189: Follow the Lord (2026)
Fr. Mike explains why it's important to focus on our own journey with the Lord over those around us while highlighting the leadership of king Josiah. He also reminds us how the mistakes of past kings had led Israel down a dark path. Today's readings are 2 Kings 23, 2 Chronicles 3 ... Show More
22m 40s
Yesterday
Day 188: The Book of the Law (2026)
Fr. Mike introduces us to the Book of Proverbs while reflecting on Israel's lack of devotion to God and the Book of the Law. Much like God gave the Book of the Law to Israel, he's given the Bible to us to continue following him faithfully. Today's readings are 2 Kings 22, 2 Chron ... Show More
18m 7s
Jul 6
Day 187: Praying for Time (2026)
Fr. Mike recalls Hezekiah's prayer for more time and reveals how Hezekiah did not use that time wisely. We are all only given a specific amount of time on this earth, and it's up to us to use that time to become more like Christ so we can spend eternity with him in heaven. Today' ... Show More
19m 57s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
#226: The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Lessons on Prayer)
Luke 18: 1-14. Jesus talked much about prayer. He was clear about the importance of talking on a regular basis with our Heavenly Father. He even gave parables, or illustrations, to help us understand how to pray. In this episode, we learn that it's okay to not give up our fai ... Show More
14m 6s
Dec 2023
Day 364: Deliver Us from Evil
Toward the end of the Lord’s Prayer, we implore God to protect us from temptation and from the evil one. Fr. Mike clarifies what we mean when we ask God not to “lead us into temptation” and emphasizes the importance of discerning between trials and temptations. Lastly, we review ... Show More
23m 48s
Jan 2023
Confessing Prayer
<p><span>This week we’ve been looking at how God moves in response to our prayer. But did you know that there are things that can block our prayers? In today’s devotional, we’re going to explore how to keep our connection to God free from obstructions and how to walk in his forgi ... Show More
9m 52s
Feb 2025
Day 36: The Kingdom and the Gospel
The Lord is here and he is at work! Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that we don’t have to save ourselves: Jesus is proclaiming the Good News and acting for good in our lives, just as he acts in this third Luminous Mystery of the Rosary. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation o ... Show More
10m 9s
Sep 2025
Delivered Daily
“God, can You get me out of this?” It’s a prayer we’ve all prayed. But what if God’s answer isn’t escape, but endurance? What if His rescue comes one day at a time? This message will help you recognize God’s faithful provision in every season and learn how to trust His hand as He ... Show More
47m 21s
Nov 2023
Day 331: The Foundations of Prayer
Do we know how to pray? The Catechism depicts Moses learning how to pray and uses this as an example of prayer and relationship with God. The Catechism goes on to talk about David and his experiences with prayer and the Psalms. As Fr. Mike points out, “humility is the foundation ... Show More
19m 28s
Jan 2025
Day 12: Deliver Us From Evil
We conclude our meditations on the Our Father with Fr. Mark-Mary delving into the parable of the Good Shepherd, the Fall in Genesis, and Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, helping build our mental library as we pray the Rosary. As we pray these lines of the Our Father, we’ll have a ... Show More
7m 44s
Jan 2023
Day 22: Wrestling with Faith
In our Catechism readings today, Fr. Mike reflects on the motives of credibility for believing in God. We learn that God offers us signs and proofs that show us that he truly is who he says he is. Fr. Mike also clarifies the difference between doubting the Faith and struggling wi ... Show More
17m 26s