ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.
Listen "Bonus: Finding Healing Through Prayer with Monica Martinez"
Episode Synopsis
Quick Summary
What does authentic prayer look like in the digital age? Monica Martinez, Parish Lead at Hallow, shares her powerful journey from a teenager who stopped going to Mass to becoming a passionate advocate for healing through faith. In this deeply personal conversation, Monica discusses how prayer evolved from a childhood habit into a transformative relationship, why apps like Hallow are helping people discover faith safely, and how the modern Church can create genuine spaces for encounter. Whether you're exploring prayer for the first time or seeking to deepen your spiritual life, this episode offers practical wisdom on listening, silence, and meeting God in the everyday moments.
In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:
Monica's Journey to Healing
How family struggles with divorce and alcoholism sparked a lifelong search for healing (2:00)
The pivotal 21st birthday moment that changed everything (4:00)
Why healing isn't a one-time event but a continuous journey
Prayer Apps and Digital Spirituality
Why 43% of Hallow users aren't Catholic—and what that reveals about modern faith seeking (6:00)
The "safety factor" of digital prayer: exploring faith without vulnerability (7:00)
Balancing prayer apps with authentic relationship: avoiding the "streak" mentality (10:00)
The Evolution of Prayer
From rote prayers to relationship: Monica's transformation (22:00)
The freedom that comes from trusting the Holy Spirit (21:00)
Why "Come Holy Spirit" is about perception, not summoning (31:00)
Listening in Prayer
What makes someone a good listener in prayer—and in life (26:00)
The challenge and importance of silence (28:00)
Practical advice for entering contemplative prayer (30:00)
Prayer Styles and Traditions
Why different forms of prayer reflect God's creativity (35:00)
The unity found in memorized prayers across cultures (36:00)
When to use rote prayers vs. spontaneous meditation (37:00)
Modern Evangelization
Creating welcoming parish environments post-COVID (39:00)
Why the Eucharist might not be the best first entry point (42:00)
The importance of accompanying seekers with gentleness (47:00)
Learning to meet people where they are, not where we think they should be (50:00)
About Monica Martinez
Monica Martinez serves as Parish Lead at Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer app, where she partners with parishes across the country to deepen prayer lives. Previously, she worked as Associate Director for Alpha in the Catholic context and served in diocesan ministry. Monica's work is driven by her personal experience of healing through faith, particularly her journey through family struggles with divorce and alcoholism. She travels nationally leading missions focused on prayer, evangelization, and creating spaces for authentic conversation about faith.
Memorable Quotes
On Prayer and Relationship:
"Prayer is not so much something I'm doing, it's something I'm allowing to be done to me. When I'm tired, it's not that I'm too tired to pray—I need you, Lord, to help me rest." — Monica Martinez (23:00)
On Digital Tools:
"You don't need an app to pray, but you also don't need a trainer to get fit. But it really does help to learn the right form and not hurt yourself." —Monica Martinez (7:00)
On Healing:
"When you encounter that relationship, when you encounter healing, there's nothing left for you to do but help other...
What does authentic prayer look like in the digital age? Monica Martinez, Parish Lead at Hallow, shares her powerful journey from a teenager who stopped going to Mass to becoming a passionate advocate for healing through faith. In this deeply personal conversation, Monica discusses how prayer evolved from a childhood habit into a transformative relationship, why apps like Hallow are helping people discover faith safely, and how the modern Church can create genuine spaces for encounter. Whether you're exploring prayer for the first time or seeking to deepen your spiritual life, this episode offers practical wisdom on listening, silence, and meeting God in the everyday moments.
In This Bonus Episode, We Explore:
Monica's Journey to Healing
How family struggles with divorce and alcoholism sparked a lifelong search for healing (2:00)
The pivotal 21st birthday moment that changed everything (4:00)
Why healing isn't a one-time event but a continuous journey
Prayer Apps and Digital Spirituality
Why 43% of Hallow users aren't Catholic—and what that reveals about modern faith seeking (6:00)
The "safety factor" of digital prayer: exploring faith without vulnerability (7:00)
Balancing prayer apps with authentic relationship: avoiding the "streak" mentality (10:00)
The Evolution of Prayer
From rote prayers to relationship: Monica's transformation (22:00)
The freedom that comes from trusting the Holy Spirit (21:00)
Why "Come Holy Spirit" is about perception, not summoning (31:00)
Listening in Prayer
What makes someone a good listener in prayer—and in life (26:00)
The challenge and importance of silence (28:00)
Practical advice for entering contemplative prayer (30:00)
Prayer Styles and Traditions
Why different forms of prayer reflect God's creativity (35:00)
The unity found in memorized prayers across cultures (36:00)
When to use rote prayers vs. spontaneous meditation (37:00)
Modern Evangelization
Creating welcoming parish environments post-COVID (39:00)
Why the Eucharist might not be the best first entry point (42:00)
The importance of accompanying seekers with gentleness (47:00)
Learning to meet people where they are, not where we think they should be (50:00)
About Monica Martinez
Monica Martinez serves as Parish Lead at Hallow, the #1 Catholic prayer app, where she partners with parishes across the country to deepen prayer lives. Previously, she worked as Associate Director for Alpha in the Catholic context and served in diocesan ministry. Monica's work is driven by her personal experience of healing through faith, particularly her journey through family struggles with divorce and alcoholism. She travels nationally leading missions focused on prayer, evangelization, and creating spaces for authentic conversation about faith.
Memorable Quotes
On Prayer and Relationship:
"Prayer is not so much something I'm doing, it's something I'm allowing to be done to me. When I'm tired, it's not that I'm too tired to pray—I need you, Lord, to help me rest." — Monica Martinez (23:00)
On Digital Tools:
"You don't need an app to pray, but you also don't need a trainer to get fit. But it really does help to learn the right form and not hurt yourself." —Monica Martinez (7:00)
On Healing:
"When you encounter that relationship, when you encounter healing, there's nothing left for you to do but help other...
More episodes of the podcast Religion To Reality
Bonus Episodes Coming Soon!
24/11/2025
In God we trust