In a discussion between EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser and Fr. John Paul Mary, MFVA, EWTN Employee Chaplain, the topic of prayer was explored in depth. The conversation delved into personal experiences, struggles, and the profound transformation that comes through a sincere relationship with God. This Spiritual Espresso episode is available along with more helpful content to explore Rome and beyond in the EWTN Travel App.
It all began with a simple yet profound question: "Jesus, if you exist, would you please show me?" This heartfelt plea, uttered in front of a church cross at the age of 15 or 16, marked the beginning of a spiritual journey—one that would ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of prayer and faith.
The Year of Prayer in preparation for the Jubilee of Hope brought forth essential reflection on what prayer truly means. Prayer is not just a recitation of words; it is a lifeline, a breath of the soul reaching out to the divine. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This beatitude highlights our need for God, reminding us that without Him, we wouldn’t even have the breath to speak our prayers.
The Greek meaning of "poor in spirit" conveys a deep dependence on God—acknowledging that without Him, we would be unable to even breathe. Thus, prayer is as vital as the air we inhale. It connects us to the Holy Spirit, who is often referred to as the Breath of God.
For many, the journey of prayer begins with uncertainty. Father shares when he first attempted to pray as a young adult returning to the Church, he had no idea what to do. Stepping into an adoration chapel at 21, he found himself restless, unable to sit still for even two minutes. His mind was overwhelmed with noise, the remnants of a busy and distracted life. It was then that he turned to the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Virgin, asking them to teach him how to pray.
The silence encountered in the chapel was anything but peaceful at first. Instead, it felt chaotic, mirroring the sirens and noise of the world outside, bringing external distractions into the sacred space. But as prayer continued—simply asking, "Lord, teach me to pray"—a transformation began.
Prayer is a journey. Those initial two minutes of struggle gradually extended to five, then to fifteen, then to an hour. Over time, prayer became not just a practice but a refuge, a space of encounter with the divine. Even now, after years of studying theology and deepening his faith, he still returns to that simple prayer: "Lord, teach me how to pray."
Many people experience similar struggles. Even those raised in faith can find themselves distant from a true, personal relationship with God. The key is sincerity. A prayer as simple as "God, if You exist, show me" is a powerful beginning. God meets us where we are, drawing us deeper into His presence.
This Year of Prayer provided a reminder to be patient with ourselves in our spiritual journeys. Pope Francis emphasizes the importance of patience, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Growth in faith, like growth in prayer, takes time. Just as faith, hope, and charity form the foundation of our relationship with God, patience nurtures and sustains it.
If you are struggling with prayer, take heart. Start small, be patient, and trust that God hears even the quietest prayers of a searching heart. In time, the restless silence will turn into a profound peace, and prayer will become as natural as breathing.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Andreas Thonhauser is EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the WU Executive Academy in Vienna and a Master’s degree in German Philology/Anglistics and Americanistics from the University of Vienna. Prior to joining EWTN, Thonhauser worked as the Director of External Affairs for a global human rights organization, and for several media outlets in Vienna, Austria.
