Scripture Library Archives

BTP17 – Heaven In Faith: Day 9 Prayer 1 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 17 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 9 Prayer 1 – “God has predestined us to the adoption of children through Jesus Christ”

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor discuss deepening one’s understanding of Christ’s mystery in prayer, focusing on predestination as experiencing God’s blessings in the present and trusting surrender to Jesus, with practical steps like dedicated prayer time and acts of mercy.

Silence in prayer allows for enjoying God’s presence, fostering intimacy. Prayer is about allowing God to delight in us, leading to a reciprocal experience of His love.

From “Heaven in Faith: Day 9 Prayer 1”:

“God has predestined us to the adoption of children through Jesus Christ, in union with Him, according to the decree of His will, to make the glory of His grace blaze forth, by which He has justified us in His beloved Son. In whose blood we have redemption, the remission of our sins, according to the riches of His grace, which has abounded beyond measure in us in all wisdom and prudence. . . .” “The soul now a true daughter of God is, in the words of the Apostle, moved by the Holy Spirit Himself: ‘All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.’” And again: “We have not received a spirit of slavery to be still led by fear, but the spirit of adoption as children in which we cry out: Abba, Father! The Spirit Himself gives witness with our spirit that we are children of God. But if we are children, we are heirs as well; I mean heirs of God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ if only we suffer with Him so as to be glorified with Him.” “It is to bring us to this abyss of glory that God has created us in His image and likeness.”

“See,” says St. John, “what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. . . . Now we are the children of God, and we have not yet seen what we shall be. We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him makes himself holy, just as He Himself is holy.”

This is the measure of the holiness of the children of God: “to be holy as God, to be holy with the holiness of God”; and we do this by living close to Him in the depths of the bottomless abyss “within.” “Then the soul seems in some way to resemble God Who, even though He delights in all things, yet does not delight in them as much as He does in Himself, for He possesses within Himself a supereminent good before which all others disappear. Thus all the joys which the soul receives are so many reminders inviting her to enjoy by preference the good she already possesses and to which nothing else can compare.” “Our “possesses.” Father Who art in Heaven. . . .” It is in “this little heaven” that He has made in the center of our soul that we must seek Him and above all where we must remain.

Christ said one day to the Samaritan woman that “the Father seeks true adorers in spirit and truth.” To give joy to His Heart, let us be these true adorers. Let us adore Him in “spirit,” that is, with our hearts and our thoughts fixed on Him, and our mind filled with His knowledge imparted by the light of faith. Let us adore Him in “truth,” that is, by our works for it is above all by our actions that we show we are true: this is to do always what is pleasing to the Father whose children we are. And finally, let us “adore in spirit and in truth,” that is, through Jesus Christ and with Jesus Christ, for He alone is the true Adorer in spirit and truth.

Then we will be daughters of God; we will “know with an experiential knowledge the truth of these words of Isaiah: ‘You will be carried at the breast and He will caress you on His knees.”’ In fact “God seems to be wholly occupied with overwhelming the soul with caresses and marks of affection like a mother who brings up her child and feeds it with her own milk.” Oh! Let us be attentive to the mysterious voice of our Father! “My daughter,” He says, “give Me your heart.”

Elizabeth of the Trinity. The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity, vol. 1 (featuring a General Introduction and Major Spiritual Writings) (Elizabeth of the Trinity Complete Work) (pp. 160-162). ICS Publications. Kindle Edition.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Understanding Predestination: How does the discussion on predestination reshape your understanding of God’s plan for us, particularly in relation to experiencing His blessings in the present?
Trusting Surrender: Reflect on your own ability to surrender to Jesus in trust, especially in times of uncertainty or difficulty. How can you deepen your trust in Him?
Practical Application: What practical steps can you take to nurture your relationship with God on a daily basis, such as dedicated prayer time or acts of mercy?
Embracing Silence: How do you currently approach silence in prayer? Reflect on the role of silence in allowing God to delight in your presence and fostering intimacy with Him.
Reciprocal Experience: Consider the concept of prayer as giving God permission to enjoy your presence. How does this idea change your perspective on prayer and your relationship with God?

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

Anthony Lilles, S.T.D., has served the Church and assisted in the formation of clergy and seminarians since 1994. Before coming to St. Patrick’s, he served at seminaries and houses of formation in the Archdiocese of Denver and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The son of a California farmer, married with young adult children, holds a B.A. in theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville with both the ecclesiastical licentiate and doctorate in spiritual theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome (the Angelicum). An expert in the writings of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity and the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, he co-founded the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation and the High Calling Program for priestly vocations. He also founded the John Paul II Center for Contemplative Culture, which hosts symposiums, retreats, and conferences. In addition to his publications, he blogs at www.beginningtopray.com .

BTP20 – Heaven In Faith: Day 10 Prayer 2 by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity – Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles – Discerning Hearts Podcasts

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Episode 20 – “Heaven in Faith” Day 10 Prayer 2 – “A praise of glory is a soul that lives in God”

Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor explore St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s concept of becoming a “praise of glory” for the Holy Trinity; surrendering completely to God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform one’s soul into a reflection of God’s love and glory. This transformation involves living in pure love, silence, and faith, gazing upon God and allowing Him to radiate through oneself.

True prayer is not about achieving mental states or experiences but about surrendering to Christ and allowing His life to animate one’s own; asking for intercession to deepen one’s prayer life and encounter with God and cultivating a deep, intimate relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead one to the depths of prayer and spiritual growth.

From “Heaven in Faith: Day 10 Prayer 2”:

“We have been predestined by the decree of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we may be the praise of His glory.”

It is St. Paul who tells us this, St. Paul who was instructed by God Himself. How do we realize this great dream of the Heart of our God, this immutable will for our souls? In a word, how do we correspond to our vocation and become perfect Praises of Glory of the Most Holy Trinity?

“In Heaven” each soul is a praise of glory of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, for each soul is established in pure love and “lives no longer its own life, but the life of God.” Then it knows Him, St. Paul says, as it is known by Him. In other words “its intellect is the intellect of God, its will the will of God, its love the very love of God. In reality it is the Spirit of love and of strength who transforms the soul, for to Him it has been given to supply what is lacking to the soul,” as St. Paul says again. “He works in it this glorious transformation.” St. John of the Cross affirms that “the soul surrendered to love, through the strength of the Holy Spirit, is not far from being raised to the degree of which we have just spoken,”180 even here below! This is what I call a perfect praise of glory!

A praise of glory is a soul that lives in God, that loves Him with a pure and disinterested love, without seeking itself in the sweetness of this love; that loves Him beyond all His gifts and even though it would not have received anything from Him, it desires the good of the Object thus loved. Now how do we effectively desire and will good to God if not in accomplishing His will since this will orders everything for His greater glory? Thus the soul must surrender itself to this will completely, passionately, so as to will nothing else but what God wills.

A praise of glory is a soul of silence that remains like a lyre under the mysterious touch of the Holy Spirit so that He may draw from it divine harmonies; it knows that suffering is a string that produces still more beautiful sounds; so it loves to see this string on its instrument that it may more delightfully move the Heart of its God.

A praise of glory is a soul that gazes on God in faith and simplicity; it is a reflector of all that He is; it is like a bottomless abyss into which He can flow and expand; it is also like a crystal through which He can radiate and contemplate all His perfections and His own splendor. A soul which thus permits the divine Being to satisfy in itself His need to communicate “all that He is and all that He has,” is in reality the praise of glory of all His gifts.

Finally, a praise of glory is one who is always giving thanks. Each of her acts, her movements, her thoughts, her aspirations, at the same time that they are rooting her more deeply in love, are like an echo of the eternal Sanctus.

In the Heaven of glory the blessed have no rest “day or night, saying: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. . . . They fall down and worship Him who lives forever and ever. . . .”

In the heaven of her soul, the praise of glory has already begun her work of eternity. Her song is uninterrupted, for she is under the action of the Holy Spirit who effects everything in her; and although she is not always aware of it, for the weakness of nature does not allow her to be established in God without distractions, she always sings, she always adores, for she has, so to speak, wholly passed into praise and love in her passion for the glory of her God. In the heaven of our soul let us be praises of glory of the Holy Trinity, praises of love of our Immaculate Mother. One day the veil will fall, we will be introduced into the eternal courts, and there we will sing in the bosom of infinite Love. And God will give us “the new name promised to the Victor.” What will it be?

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Embracing the Concept of “Praise of Glory”: How do you understand the concept of being a “praise of glory” for the Holy Trinity, as described by Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity?
Surrendering to God’s Will: Reflect on the idea of surrendering completely to God’s will. How does this concept challenge or resonate with your own spiritual journey?
Living in Pure Love and Silence: How can we cultivate a life of pure love and silence, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our souls? What practical steps can we take to foster this transformation in our daily lives?
Gazing Upon God in Faith: Elizabeth speaks of gazing upon God in faith and simplicity. How do you currently practice this in your prayer life? What obstacles do you encounter in maintaining this gaze?
Relationship with Christ: Reflect on the importance of having a personal relationship with Christ in deepening your prayer life. How can you strengthen this relationship in your daily activities and spiritual practices?
Asking for Intercession: Do you believe in the power of asking for intercession from saints like Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity? How might you incorporate asking for her help in deepening your prayer life?
True Prayer vs. Mental States: Consider the distinction made between true prayer, focused on surrendering to Christ, and the pursuit of mental states or experiences. How can you ensure that your prayer life remains centered on Christ rather than on personal experiences or achievements?
Cultivating Intimacy with Christ: What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead you to the depths of prayer and spiritual growth?

We would like to thank Miriam Gutierrez for providing “the voice” of St. Elizabeth for this series

For other episodes in the series visit the Discerning Hearts page for Dr. Anthony Lilles

SJ3 – Pillar of Families – King of the Holy Family and Prince of the Church – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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King of the Holy Family and Prince of the Church – Episode 3 – St. Joseph with Sonja Corbitt

St. Joseph is stepping into a more visible role in the Church right now, and inviting you to develop a relationship with him. In learning about his roles as prophet, priest, and king of the Holy Family and prince of the Church, we get to know him more personally, and how he operates in those roles on our behalf. In conclusion of our series, I’d like to leave you with a list of prayers for the Year of St. Joseph, here at this link.

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

Can you discern St. Joseph’s activity in your life through his roles of protector, provider, and guide? What do you want to say to him about that?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen +

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Click here for a written transcript of this episode.

Visit here for more on Sonja’s “LOVE the Word” journal

Also:

IP#482 Dr. Peter Kreeft – Wisdom from the Psalms on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor Podcast

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Wisdom from the Psalms has become one of my all-time favorite Dr. Peter Kreeft books. Not only does this book inspire me to think and learn, but best of all it helped me to grow even more deeply in love with the Psalms and prayer. This particular podcast is a favorite as well. The Psalms only get better (is that possible?) when experienced with such an incredible guide. Give your prayer life a big boost and pick up a copy of this wonderful book.

You can find the book here

From the book description:

The Psalms are the most popular, most universally loved and used book in the Bible, which in turn is the most popular book in the world. They are hymns, songs, poems and prayers, both formal (liturgical and communal) and informal (spontaneous, personal, and individual); and this gives them many layers of meaning rather than one, unlike theologies and creeds.

They Psalms are literally inexhaustible, so a new book of reflections on them is always welcome. Especially a book by the beloved, widely read, best-selling author and philosopher, Peter Kreeft.

In this work Kreeft shares his personal explorations into the riches of the Psalms, his profound expeditions into this deep ocean of the divinely inspired spiritual water. He focuses on the dozen or so Psalms that are most people’s favorites, including Kreeft.

Kreeft says that the Pslams are powerful prayers, and a spiritual weapon that God himself has given us for our great task of spiritual warfare, which is human life on earth.

What prayers did Jesus and his disciples pray? The Psalms! As all Jews have always done ever since they had them. The Psalms are God’s answer to our plea, ‘Teach us to pray.’ Christ prayed them not only in synagogue but throughout His life, and at his death. He prayed Psalm 22, ‘My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?’ even as He was dying on the Cross.
– Peter Kreeft, from the Introduction

SJ2 – Pillar of Families – St. Joseph with Sonja Corbitt – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Pillar of Families – Episode 2 – St. Joseph with Sonja Corbitt

Every man is called to fatherhood and priesthood by virtue of his masculinity. Like Abraham, the Father of Faith, whose faith was “accounted” to him as righteousness, St. Joseph’s accumulated acts of sacrificial faith in his role of father and priest of the Holy Family formed him and made him capable for his larger role as the Pillar of Families for the whole Church.

In accepting and receiving our men, faults and all–husbands, sons, priests, fathers–we receive Joseph, in a sense. We participate in nurturing their role as priests and fathers knowing that St. Joseph works through them on our behalf in, with, and through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

Accepting our men faults and all does not mean accepting abuse or being a doormat. Rather, it means receiving who they are–their personalities and temperaments, talents and gifts, roles and decisions–without trying to control or change them. Our husbands, sons, priests, and dads are imperfect as we are imperfect, but they are God’s provision for us, as OT Joseph and St. Joseph illustrate. How does St. Joseph encourage you to accept and receive the men in your life, faults and all? In what little ways can you communicate to them your acceptance of who they are, today?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Click here for a written transcript of this episode.

Visit here for more on Sonja’s “LOVE the Word” journal

Also:

SJ1 – Old Testament Joseph – St. Joseph with Sonja Corbitt – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Old Testament Joseph – Episode 1 – St. Joseph with Sonja Corbitt

In this episode we explore Old Testament Joseph’s life, because in order to understand St. Joseph as patron of the Church, we must know something of his ancestor, OT Joseph, for whom he is named. Psalm 105 gives us a snapshot of OT Joseph, and a prophecy of NT Joseph:

“When he summoned a famine on the land, and broke every staff of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron; until what he had said came to pass the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples set him free; he made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions, to instruct his princes at his pleasure, and to teach his elders wisdom” (Ps 105:16-22, emphasis mine).

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

One of my favorite things about OT Joseph is how he bore up under injustice and adversity and continued to operate in his gifts wherever he found himself. Ultimately, God used all of Joseph’s sufferings as stepping-stones to something greater and to the benefit of everyone: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many should be kept alive…” (Gen 50:20).

As you observe your own dysfunctional family relationships and circumstances, and the suffering there, can you discern an ultimate good toward which God might be moving all of you? In your family, is there one person who seems to be in the role of Joseph?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Lord, they may have meant evil against me, but You meant it for good (Gen 50:20). Help me to wait for your vindication, and as I wait, help me to forgive. Amen +

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Click here for a written transcript of this episode.

Visit here for more on Sonja’s “LOVE the Word” journal

Also:

FA9 – Body and Soul at Rest – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Body and Soul at Rest – Episode 9 – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt

Rest is not merely inactivity. Although it certainly includes leisure, rest involves the entire human person, in thoughts, emotions, body, and soul. In this episode we explore what the Bible means when it commands us to observe Sabbath rest.

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

Could a neglect of keeping a proper Sunday observance be contributing to your unrest? What small steps can you begin taking today to make your Sundays more restful for yourself and your family?

V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love flow upon me. May the Blood of Christ cover all wounds and restore all in me to wholeness and life. May the fire from Our Lady’s heart now enter me and anoint everything with the Holy Spirit and blind Satan. May St. Joseph wrap me with blessings and peace, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Click here for a written transcript of this episode.

Visit here for more on Sonja’s “LOVE the Word” journal

Also:

FA8 – Body at Rest – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Body at Rest – Episode 8 – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt

The body has two systems of protection. The immune system fights inner threats, and the “fight or flight” system protects from external threats. Stress only becomes a serious physical problem when it moves from temporary to persistent or is aggravated by negative, fear-driven thoughts and emotion. Research shows that fear triggers known and measurable physical and chemical responses, throwing the body into a frantic, sick state.

Neck, shoulder, head, and back problems are exoskeletal and nervous system issues – structural issues. In the Bible they are related to the will, the “structure” that human life and existence are built on. When we willfully step out from under the protective, authoritative structure God has put into place, we often experience symptoms in these areas, such as migraines, muscle aches, back problems, and insomnia. Here’s how to re-order the structure of your life by re-ordering your will.

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

Did you gain any insight through this episode on migraines, neck and back pain? On the complications and messes in your marriage and family?

V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Click here for a written transcript of this episode.

Visit here for more on Sonja’s “LOVE the Word” journal

Also:

FA7 – Transforming Emotions – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Transforming Emotions – Episode 7 – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt

No matter how many big or little sufferings we offer up, if we do not also allow God to transform the thoughts and emotions surrounding our sufferings, we have not really discerned or submitted to their purpose; we have not undergone the deep transformation that Jesus died to give us and that the Bible calls a Sabbath rest.

Because it is such a profound, secret work, only God can identify and accomplish in us the deep soul work of purgatory, or sanctification, as thoroughly as we need it. He does not simply cover our sins with his blood, he scrubs out the deep, set-in wounds, “all unrighteousness.” We can and must dispose ourselves to receive this rest, but is always still a gift, one that God insistently offers us through the repeating circumstances and relationships that are meant to attract our attention and cooperation.

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

What is your greatest fear? Have you acknowledged it to yourself? To God? Does the emotion of that fear drive your behavior in some way? What do you want to say to the Lord about that?

V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Click here for a written transcript of this episode.

Visit here for more on Sonja’s “LOVE the Word” journal

Also:

FA6 – Emotions at Rest – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts

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Emotions at Rest – Episode 6 – Freedom from Anxiety with Sonja Corbitt

If thoughts are sparks of energy, emotions are currents. Emotions do not have boundaries. They cannot be controlled or ignored or silenced; they must be acknowledged and transformed, or they will resurface elsewhere, as in sickness, addiction, and historical emotions. Unaddressed emotion drives negativity and destructive behaviors and makes them circular and uncontrollable. But the Holy Spirit transforms and heals emotions. Find out how.

For other episodes in this series, visit the Discerning Hearts Sonja Corbitt page

Be sure to visit Bible StudyEvangelista webpage at: https://www.biblestudyevangelista.com

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice.

Listen (Receive the Word.)

O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)

What is your greatest fear? Have you acknowledged it to yourself? To God? Does the emotion of that fear drive your behavior in some way? What do you want to say to the Lord about that?

V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)