To celebrate the 200th Episode of the Draw Near Catholic Podcast, we are spotlighting some "Best of Guests" moments. We have Catholic Speakers and friends: Matthew Leonard, Sonja Corbitt, Sister Fidelis Marie, Julie Storr, and Father Patrick Behm. ENJOY!

Fred and Kara reflect on 2 Scripture passages focusing on gratitude to God. We are thankful for the goodness of life. But… how often do we thank God for the thorn in our side, the pit we have fallen into, or the desert we simply cannot find a way out of?

"Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it." Just like that... no questions asked? Does he need anything from us? In this episode, we reflect on the words of Jesus in John 14:12-14 as we look for answers to these questions.

Why are so many uncomfortable with silence? We live in a world where there is always noise. There's always something to consume. We are never without entertainment. However, God is found in the silence; the still small voice. Why is this both scary and amazing? How can we set aside silence in our lives?

This episode serves as a companion and follow up to our "Does God Speak to Me?" episode. Here we are joined by Julie Storr, from Lectio the Liturgy. Julie presented at our recent Draw Near Retreat in which the theme was, "Hearing God's Voice." Julie offers some great practical steps for not only hearing the Lord's voice, but also building a lifestyle in which a relationship with God characterized by talking with your loving Father is not just a wish, but an actual lived experience, rooted in prayer, in Scripture, and in the life of the Holy Spirit.

In this episode we continue our Lenten lectio divina Scripture reflections by taking a look at the account of the Lame Beggar at the Beautiful Gate. Here we see Peter and John look at him intently, though they could not offer him the money he was asking for, it did not prevent their fixed and loving attention on him. What they offer the man was something even greater than he asked for. Prayer. Jesus Christ. Healing! The man asked with expectancy; that his needs would be met. But the Lord provided even greater things. Peter and John offered prayer, and expected that that prayer would bear fruit. What are the many things we can learn from this passage? In what ways can we relate to this beggar? In what ways are we called to follow the example of Peter and John? What does all of this have to do with hope? Listen to find out!

We often need help in making decisions for ourselves in the light of faith and going deeper in our spiritual lives; in hearing the voice of the Lord and being accountable for what is or is not happening in prayer. So, who needs a spiritual director? When do we need one most? What can we do if we do not have one?

In this episode, we again take up the theme of “life lessons” from the Saints. We share our encounters with St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” and share some deeply personal experiences of how her words, and no doubt her intercession, helped us draw near to the Lord during very difficult times. We consider St. Therese a very dear friend and we hope that this episode will help you to also discover just how relatable she is; and how her “Little Way” can help you also find joy and fulfillment even in the smallest and seemingly insignificant moments.

Thoughts of our own failures and shortcomings, whether real or only perceived, can often surround us like a heavy storm. BUT even if he is asleep in the boat, he is always present in moments of failure… ready to calm the storm! And the best part is, he wants to use our shortcomings to bring about something beautiful!

In this Shorty, Fred shows us how to not only pray with Scripture, but also how to pray with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is itself filled with Scripture. This book, a summation of the Catholic faith, is not merely a reference book. The Church teaches Truth, and we are invited to not simply learn this truth, but pray with it! Fred presents a method for praying the Catechism, and reflects on the profound truth and beauty that is revealed in the process.

Scripture is the Living Word of God. It is there, in Scripture, that we encounter Christ. It is through study and prayer of the Word that we walk with God and speak with Him.

It's a hodge podge of riveting questions and answers with Fr. Behm! You will want to tune in!

In a follow-up episode to Prayer: Intimate Friendship with God, we continue the conversation on prayer with friend and speaker Matthew Leonard. No matter where we are in our relationship with God, He is always calling us to grow in the spiritual life..

The spiritual IS the practical. Nothing in our spiritual lives (or lives in general) is more integral than a prayer life. This is where we grow in friendship with God! Listen for more on this topic, biblical examples and teachings, and tips to overcoming obstacles in prayer.