Christendom College theology professor Mary Stanford recently launched a brand-new three-part online course through the Diocese of Arlington titled “The Heart of Prayer.” The course delves into the nature of purpose of Christian prayer, exploring its role in our lives and its close connection with our relationship with God.
The free class guides participants in transforming their perspective and practice of prayer—enabling them to gain a stronger grasp of the truth of prayer and develop a deeper relationship with God. Over the course of three sessions, viewers will carefully explore the true meaning of prayer, its impact on daily life, and how to practically develop a personal prayer life.
“It’s important for us to ask the question: what is Christian prayer? And what role does it play in the Christian life? Some of us dismiss prayer out of hand, because we don’t really understand what Christian prayer is,” says Stanford. “What is prayer other than the lifting up of the mind and heart up to the One who made us and loves us?”
Stanford’s new video series follows closely on the heels of her Theology of the Body class offered through Christendom’s free online learning platform. Based on the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II, this free online course helps viewers gain a deeper understanding of their human identity—body, mind, and soul—so that they can share that truth with the secular world. Throughout seven lessons, students carefully study the biblical account of man and woman’s creation, discovering profound insights that are integral to the renewal of families and the greater culture.
An adjunct professor of theology at Christendom College, Stanford holds a master’s degree in theological studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. She is also a speaker and author on topics related to Catholic marriage, family, and personal holiness. Stanford draws on both her academic expertise and her experience as a wife and mother to help students and audiences deepen their understanding of faith and cultivate a meaningful relationship with God. She has appeared on the popular “Christendom Conversations” podcast, where she spoke on Theology of the Body with College President George A. Harne, Ph.D.
Because of free online classes like these, even more people can now expand their knowledge and grow in virtue. Both of Stanford’s new courses are yet more opportunities in which Christendom’s faculty are continuing the college’s longstanding mission to form lay Catholics to live out their faith in the secular world and restore all things in Christ.
To enroll in “The Heart of Prayer,” visit here.
Contributed by Bridget Palm ’28.