How’s Your Prayer Life?

howsyourprayerlife

How’s Your Prayer Life: An unscripted conversation about how prayer appears—unexpectedly, imperfectly, and personally—in our lives.

Episodes

  1. 15h ago

    How's Your Prayer Life? with Jessica Benfield

    Jessica Benfield joins host Allison Gingras for an honest conversation about what happens when prayer has to adapt to real life. From new puppies and disrupted routines to journaling, the rosary, and a growing devotion to Mary, this episode is about building a prayer life that holds up inside ordinary days. They discuss why prayer can feel inconsistent without being broken, how small pivots can restore a routine, and why family prayer matters even when it is imperfect. In this episode Jessica shares how two new puppies upended her morning routine and changed when and how she prays. She explains how praying the Rosary outdoors became a joyful new habit. How does prayer naturally ebb and flow with family life and daily demands? Jessica discusses her growing devotion to Mary and how a 54-day rosary novena changed her view of the Rosary. She reflects on prayer as a source of peace, calm, and recentering in everyday life. Jessica Benfield is the founder and publisher of Rooted, a fun monthly magazine for Catholic kids!  Through her magazine, social media content, and faith-filled resources, Jessica encourages families to grow closer to Jesus everyday with simple & fun activities (…and yummy snacks inspired by the saints).   This summer, Jessica will be filming a short video series for Shalom World called “Snacking with the Saints.”     You can follow Jessica on Instagram: @sallykpub Visit her website:  www.sally-k.com

  2. Jul 31

    How's Your Prayer Life? with Krystal Quagliera

    In this episode, Allison Gingras sits down with Krystal Quagliera to discuss the real-life realities of prayer amidst busy schedules, the importance of routine versus genuine connection, and how to embrace everyday moments for prayer. Whether you're a seasoned prayer warrior or just starting out, these insights will inspire you to find the sacred in your daily life. In this Episode: The distinction between routine prayer and meaningful connection with God Practical advice for fitting prayer into a busy, distracted life The power of leaving the house for prayer and creating a dedicated space Embracing the messiness of everyday life as part of authentic devotion How devotion to Mary can be woven into the daily experience of motherhood and life — including the importance of stillness and quiet The importance of friendship with God as the highest relationship Krystal Quagliara is a Millennial Catholic wife and mom, trying to be like Mary, but mostly just losing shoes. She’s the host of the “Messy But Marian” Podcast, where she has real, raw, and honest conversations with other Catholic moms about their spiritual lives and the everyday pursuit of virtue in motherhood. Krystal’s full-time work is in ministry at her home parish, where she was born and raised as a cradle-Catholic. The podcast and the Messy But Marian movement are her own personal ministry and creative outlet. Before becoming a mom in 2023, Krystal spent time as a professional touring performer. She traded sequins for Cheerios and loves her vocation as a mother, but still hits the stage with her husband, Marc, from time to time in their acoustic duo “Almond Grove.”

  3. Jul 22

    How's Your Prayer Life? with Danielle Schmitz

    In this episode, host Allison Gingras sits down with guest Danielle Schmitz to talk about the messy, beautiful reality of prayer and how to invite God into every moment of daily life. Danielle shares practical spiritual rhythms, honest struggles, and the grace that comes from showing up in prayer even when life feels chaotic. In this Episode Embracing the beauty of a messy prayer life and letting go of perfection Daily devotions that help anchor prayer, including the Eucharist, Rosary, and chaplets Inviting Jesus into ordinary moments, distractions, and struggles throughout the day Trusting God’s presence even in frustration, doubt, and spiritual dryness The role of Our Lady in deepening trust, fidelity, and a more faithful prayer life Danielle Schmitz is a Catholic missionary seeking to bring revival to the Church in America. Originally from Santa Clara, CA, Danielle attended the Catholic University of America in DC for undergrad, studying Theology and Philosophy. She has served in various Catholic apostolates in the US and Europe, giving talks and leading praise & worship for all ages around the world. In 2024, Danielle served as a Perpetual Pilgrim on the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, and to this day, she considers it the most important ministry she has ever been a part of. Danielle now lives and serves the Church in Easton, Massachusetts, as a missionary in the Echo Program run by the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. In her free time, Danielle can be found writing, creating art, playing music, and being outdoors.

  4. Jul 18

    How's Your Prayer Life? with Deacon Pedro

    Discover how Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann, of Salt+Light (SL Hour) navigates the complexities of prayer amidst a busy life and learn practical tips to enrich your own prayer journey. This episode explores diverse prayer methods, the importance of community in prayer, and how to surrender to God's will more fully. In this episode: Value of the Liturgy of the Hours Personal struggles with repetitive prayers like the Rosary and alternative approaches to add the Rosary to your repertoire  Practical advice for busy people: short, scheduled, and spontaneous prayer routines How to incorporate prayer into daily decisions The importance of surrendering to God's will completely, inspired by Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane Creative prayer practices like Visio Divina, prayer walks, and intercession rosaries Jesus' example: praying "not my will but yours" in the Garden of Gethsemane Originally from Panama, Deacon Pedro is the Director of Programming and Production for Salt + Light Media in Canada. As a producer, he has produced, directed, and hosted dozens of TV programs and documentaries. He is the producer and host of the Salt + Light Hour Catholic Podcast, which airs weekly on the Catholic Channel. He was the Artistic Director of World Youth Day 2002 and the Artistic Director for the Knights of Columbus-hosted Mercy Centre during World Youth Day 2016 in Krakow, Poland. Deacon Pedro also worked with the World Youth Day 2019 Organizing Committee in Panama, helping set up their Youth Festival and Artistic Department, and in 2022, he worked as Senior Lead, Programs for the Papal Visit to Canada, responsible for nine events with the Holy Father during his penitential pilgrimage. Deacon Pedro was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Archdiocese of Toronto in 2012.

About

How’s Your Prayer Life: An unscripted conversation about how prayer appears—unexpectedly, imperfectly, and personally—in our lives.

You Might Also Like