The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.

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"Help, Thanks, Wow": Three prayers that changed Anne Lamott

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Feb 10, 2026

Guest

Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott, bestselling writer known for candid memoirs and spiritual books, reflects on faith, recovery, and writing. She recounts a vivid encounter with Jesus and what led to her conversion. She describes daily spiritual practices, the three prayers Help, Thanks, Wow, and tips for honest prayer and overcoming distractions. She also shares her secret to better writing.

50:56

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Episode notes

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ADVICE

Start By Noticing Care

Notice and record everyday ways you're being cared for to recognize grace around you.
Use that list to open to a larger presence without needing immediate belief or vision.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Begin With A Simple Hello

Begin prayer simply by saying aloud, "Hello? Anyone there?" to practice reaching out.
Trust the possibility that something hears you and draws closer even if you hear nothing.

volunteer_activism

ADVICE

Rename God To Reduce Resistance

Try different names or acronyms for God that feel safe, like "good orderly direction" or "great universal spirit."
Reframe God as "not me" to step away from ego-driven thinking.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Anne Lamott's spiritual writing origins

04:58 • 2min

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Helping others cross to faith

06:52 • 3min

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What enabled Anne's leap of faith

10:09 • 2min

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The houseboat encounter with Jesus

12:08 • 7min

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Feeling Jesus' ongoing presence

18:45 • 3min

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Helping others find spiritual experience

22:06 • 8min

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The role of the Gospels in Anne's life

30:18 • 2min

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Living out Jesus' example

32:41 • 50sec

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Anne's daily spiritual practices

33:30 • 5min

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Prayer as honest conversation

38:56 • 2min

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Help, Thanks, Wow explained

40:48 • 2min

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The secret to good writing

43:10 • 3min

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Handling distractions in prayer

My life with the saints

James Martin

'My Life with the Saints' is a memoir by James Martin that explores his personal encounters with various saints and how they influenced his spiritual journey. Through engaging storytelling, Martin shares how he came to know and be inspired by figures such as St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Ignatius of Loyola. The book offers a relatable perspective on the lives of saints, portraying them not as perfect beings, but as flawed individuals who found holiness in their imperfections. It encourages readers to find inspiration and guidance in the examples of these spiritual figures.

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In 'Good Writing,' Anne Lamott shares her insights on how to craft compelling and authentic prose, drawing from her own experiences as a successful author. The book provides practical advice on overcoming common writing challenges, finding your unique voice, and developing a consistent writing practice. Lamott emphasizes the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and attention to detail in creating engaging narratives. Through humorous anecdotes and insightful observations, she encourages writers to embrace the messiness of the writing process and trust their own creative instincts. It is a guide on how to transform bad writing into something good.

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In 'Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith', Anne Lamott recounts her personal and often humorous journey towards faith. The book combines elements of spiritual study and memoir, as Lamott reflects on her troubled past, including her struggles with addiction, single motherhood, and the loss of loved ones. She describes her gradual conversion to faith through her experiences with a small, interracial community church and the support of her friends. The memoir is marked by Lamott's characteristic wit and frankness, as she explores the complexities of faith, grief, and human connection.

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James Martin

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Some Instructions on Writing and Life

Anne Lamott

Susan Bennett

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

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God and you

Basil Viney

In 'God and You: Personal Prayer as Friendship,' William A. Barry delves into the profound relationship between personal prayer and genuine friendship, suggesting that the two are deeply interconnected. Barry explores the dynamics of friendship—such as honesty, vulnerability, and mutual support—and applies these principles to one's relationship with God. By framing prayer as a dialogue between friends, Barry offers insights into fostering a more intimate and meaningful connection with the divine. He encourages readers to approach prayer not as a formal duty, but as a heartfelt conversation with a trusted companion. Through this unique perspective, the book seeks to deepen the reader's understanding of prayer and enrich their spiritual life.

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a journal of my son's first year

Anne Lamott

Published in 1993, 'Operating Instructions' is a journal that Anne Lamott kept during the first year of her son Sam's life. The book is a candid and often humorous reflection on the challenges and joys of single motherhood. It details Lamott's unplanned pregnancy, the birth of her child, and the numerous responsibilities of parenthood. The book also explores her relationships with her child, friends, and herself, all while maintaining her unique sense of humor and honesty.

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New people

Danzy Senna

New People is a novel by Danzy Senna that delves into the complexities of racial identity, class, and relationships in the 1990s. The story follows Maria, a biracial woman engaged to Khalil, as she becomes infatuated with a Black poet, leading to a journey of self-discovery and identity crisis. The novel challenges societal assumptions about race and identity, offering a darkly comedic yet poignant exploration of contemporary America.

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Help, Thanks, Wow

Anne Lamott

Host James Martin, S.J., welcomes New York Times best-selling author and Christian convert, Anne Lamott, onto “The Spiritual Life” podcast. 0:00 Who is Anne Lamott? 5:00 Welcome Anne Lamott 6:50 Synonyms for God 12:08 Anne’s leap of faith 22:38 How to find God when you’re struggling 29:22 What would Jesus do? 32:33 Anne’s daily spiritual practices 39:40 Praying “Help, Thanks, Wow” 42:00 Anne’s secret to good writing 45:15 Audience Question: How do you handle distractions during prayer? Read Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode:

https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/02/09/anne-lamott-james-martin-podcast-spiritual-life/

Check out Anne's book "Help Thanks Wow"

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: thespirituallife@americamedia.org

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