In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Difficulties In Mental Prayer – The Inner Life – September 9, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

On today’s show, Fr. Eric Nielsen join to discuss difficulties in mental prayer.

  • What is Mental prayer?
  • Tim – My desire to sin sometimes feels stronger when I pray. Why would that be?
  • Ann – Is it selfish to ask for healing for yourself?
  • Break 1
  • Henry – God seems remote to me. How can God hear me and my prayer?
  • Diane – Prayer is important and I love what you are saying.
  • Break 2
  • Eddie – It is hard to have a relationship with God.

Show Notes:

Fr. Eric’s recommendations of books to foster mental prayer:

The Gospel of Matthew

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales

The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva

In Conversation with God (7 book series): https://scepterpublishers.org/products/in-conversation-with-god-7-volume-set?_pos=1&_sid=be1a2b127&_ss=r

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Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.