Growing in Dependency on God (The Inner Life with Patrick Conley)

Patrick Conley sits down with Fr. John LoCoco, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Brookfield, to talk about something every believer wrestles with: how to depend on God. Their conversation shows that dependence is about trust. And it’s the key to a deeper relationship with the Lord. You can listen to the entire episode here.

Fr. LoCoco explains that learning to depend on God often starts by learning to depend on others. Community teaches trust. When families, friends, and parishes support one another, they reflect the early Church described in Acts – a people of “one heart and one mind” who gave freely and received with gratitude. Vulnerability with one another opens the door to vulnerability with God.

He points to the Gospel story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Instead of beginning with a lecture, Jesus asks her for a drink. That small request – showing His own need – opens up a life-changing conversation. Dependence works the same way for us – admitting need makes room for grace.

Longing also reveals dependence. Restlessness can feel like emptiness, but it’s really a sign that the heart is reaching for God. As St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Father says that God allows some desires to remain unsatisfied in this life so that His people never stop seeking Him.

When it comes to prayer, dependence is often about keeping it simple. Many walk into adoration carrying a Bible, rosary, or prayer cards. These devotions are good, but Fr. LoCoco suggests that sometimes it’s best to bring nothing at all. Just sit in silence before the Blessed Sacrament. As the Curé of Ars described it: “I look at Him and He looks at me.” That quiet gaze is pure trust.

Fr. LoCoco also recommends weaving small acts of surrender into daily life: whisper “Jesus, I trust in You” before a tough conversation, or pause before walking in the door at night to hand the evening over to Christ. These little moments create a habit of reliance on God. Families especially benefit when spouses and parents model this kind of trust. Children learn that love means leaning on one another and on the Lord.

Dependence on God is about letting Him lead. Longings become prayer, weakness becomes strength, and trust becomes freedom.

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