Preaching the pillars of Lent: Prayer

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of prayer during Lent and its role in preaching.

What is prayer? And maybe more importantly for preachers—what are we inviting people into when we stand in the pulpit and speak about it? As “Preach” continues its Lent 2026 series, we turn to the three classical pillars that shape the season: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In this first conversation, focused on prayer, Ricardo da Silva, S.J. is joined by Amy Ekeh, Director of Mission Advancement for the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, retreat leader, author and adjunct instructor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Sacred Heart University. Amy is the author of several books, including: Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus Come to Me, All of You: Stations of the Cross in the Voice of Christ Lent: Season of Transformation Timecodes: 0:00 We can’t be afraid to ask for God’s help 1:25 Who is Amy Ekeh? 2:50 Prayer is relational 7:57 Prayer is nurtured in community 14:30 Good preaching requires you to know your congregation 16:53 Ask for healing! The people in the Gospels did. 21:38 Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer 26:16 Carving out space for silence --- Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber. Visit…

People in this episode

Host: Ricardo da Silva, S.J.

Guest: Amy Ekeh

Topics covered

• Lent
• prayer
• spirituality
• preaching
• community

Keywords

• Lent
• prayer
• preaching
• community
• spirituality

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart University

Books & works: Stretch Out Your Hand: Reflections on the Healing Ministry of Jesus, Come to Me, All of You: Stations of the Cross in the Voice of Christ, Lent: Season of Transformation

More episodes of Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

• Preaching the Risen Christ: Mass in migrant shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border · April 27, 2026 · 44 min
• Preaching during Easter: Resurrections in war-torn areas · April 20, 2026 · 41 min
• Preaching the Risen Christ: Finding hope in addiction recovery · April 13, 2026 · 36 min
• Preaching the Risen Christ: A Scripture Scholar on the first witnesses · April 6, 2026 · 44 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Fasting · March 9, 2026 · 28 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Almsgiving · March 2, 2026 · 34 min