Prayer in the Christian Life

"Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.

Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2558

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2559) states, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.”

We are probably all familiar with the second part of this definition. Who among us, in some time of need or distress, has not called upon God for assistance? But, what does the first part of this definition really mean? What does it mean to raise one’s mind and heart to God?

Most of us can come to a basic understanding of this by answering the question, “What does it mean to unite our mind and heart with a fellow human?” We do this by talking to the person and spending time with them, sharing our thoughts, emotions, experiences, values and goals, by putting our trust in someone and by demonstrating our own trustworthiness. The more we spend time with, communicate and work together toward common objectives, the closer relationship we develop with that person. In the closest relationships, we often are happy just to be in the presence of that person; when we deeply love someone we want to share all of their experiences, whether that be sharing in joyful occasions or comforting them in times of sorrow.

As the last phrases of CCC2558 (cited above) states that prayer is the "relationship" we are to develop "...a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer."

What is prayer?

Give me a person who has fifteen minutes of mental prayer daily, and I will give you a saint.

St. Teresa of Avila

Seek by reading and you will find by meditating. Knock by praying, and it will be opened to you in contemplation.

St. John of the Cross

Poet Scott Cairns recounts a Dan Rather interview with Mother Teresa in which he asked her what she says to God when she prays.

"I don't say anything," she said. "I just listen."

Then the interviewer asked her what God says to her.

"He doesn't say anything," she responded. "He just listens."

Mother Teresa

For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Prayer
The voluntary response to the awareness of God's presence. This response may be an acknowledgment of God's greatness and of a person's total dependence on him (adoration), or gratitude for his benefits to oneself and others (thanksgiving), or sorrow for sins committed and begging for mercy (expiation), or asking for graces needed (petition), or affection for God, who is all good (love).

Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary
© Eternal Life

Why pray?

The simple answer is because you love God and believe that He is Father Almighty. If you love God and believe that He is powerful enough to create the heavens and the earth, why would you not want to get to know him better and have him help you in your daily life? Just remember that prayer is supposed to be a two-way dialogue. You talk to God, and you allow God to speak to you.

Are there different ways to pray?

"How to pray? This is a simple matter. I would say: Pray any way you like, so long as you do pray. You can pray the way your mother taught you; you can use a prayer book. Sometimes it takes courage to pray; but it is possible to pray, and necessary to pray. Whether from memory or a book or just in thought, it is all the same."

John Paul II, The Way of Prayer
Crossroad Publishing Co. (1995)

The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart.

Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2721

Vocal prayer, founded on the union of body and soul in human nature, associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart, following Christ's example of praying to his Father and teaching the Our Father to his disciples.

Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2722

Meditation is a prayerful quest engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. Its goal is to make our own in faith the subject considered, by confronting it with the reality of our own life.

Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2723

Contemplative prayer is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery.

Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2724

Definitely, there are different ways to pray. And, they are all effective so long as we have a loving, prayerful disposition.

Prepare to pray?

A prayerful disposition is something you may pray to obtain -- pray to pray -- it sounds like a paradox but it works. One can begin with a very simple petition…God knows what we want and need. Here are some examples:

"Heavenly Father, I want to spend some time with you now, please be with me."

"Jesus, you loved me so much that you gave your life that I may have everlasting life. Please share this time of prayer with me."

"Holy Spirit, please fill my heart and mind with your love and grace while I pray."

Sacred Scripture (the Bible) is the Word of God. Read Sacred Scripture...study it...meditate upon it... and you will find yourself becoming disposed to a deep communion with the Holy Trinity.

Don't get too wrapped up in detailed plans that you ask God to make happen or achieve for you. Remember, God knows everything about you and what you need. Some think it best to simply pray for God's will and the grace to accept the outcome.

We can read many of Jesus' prayers. When he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to his arrest and crucifixion he knew what was going to happen and his human nature (not the Divine nature he also possessed) apparently though that dying on the Cross may not be too enjoyable. Even so, Jesus prayed for the Father's will:

He said, 'Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.' Mark 14:36 (NRSV)

Prayers of "Quiet" and "Union"?

Prayer of Quiet

A peaceful internal repose by which the soul is captivated by the divine presence. It is the result of contemplative love and is a fruit of the gift of wisdom. During the prayer of quiet the mind is specially enlightened by divine grace and a spiritual delight pervades the whole person. Although the lower faculties and senses are free to exercise their natural activities, God makes himself felt in the subtle part of the soul obscurely as the Great Reality. At first this prayer is of short duration. Under the influence of grace it becomes longer and may eventually become habitual.

Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary
© Eternal Life

Prayer of Union

A most intimate union of the soul with God, accompanied by a certitude of his presence within the soul and a suspension of all interior faculties. With this prayer there is an absence of distractions because the soul is entirely absorbed in God. There is no fatigue, no matter how long the union may last, because no personal effort is involved, but rather an extraordinary experience of joy. The soul is left with an ardent zeal to glorify God; complete detachment from all created things; perfect submission to God's will; and great charity for one's neighbor.

Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary
© Eternal Life

What does the Roman Catholic Church say about Prayer?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is divided into four parts. The fourth part is devoted to prayer and the prayer life of Christians. This gives a strong indication of the importance of prayer.

Part Four of the Catechism on prayer is available online. It will be well worth your time to read and study it.




	Prayer in the Christian Life "Great is the mystery of the faith!" The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles' Creed (Part One) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer. Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2558 The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2559) states, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” We are probably all familiar with the second part of this definition. Who among us, in some time of need or distress, has not called upon God for assistance? But, what does the first part of this definition really mean? What does it mean to raise one’s mind and heart to God? Most of us can come to a basic understanding of this by answering the question, “What does it mean to unite our mind and heart with a fellow human?” We do this by talking to the person and spending time with them, sharing our thoughts, emotions, experiences, values and goals, by putting our trust in someone and by demonstrating our own trustworthiness. The more we spend time with, communicate and work together toward common objectives, the closer relationship we develop with that person. In the closest relationships, we often are happy just to be in the presence of that person; when we deeply love someone we want to share all of their experiences, whether that be sharing in joyful occasions or comforting them in times of sorrow. As the last phrases of CCC2558 (cited above) states that prayer is the "relationship" we are to develop "...a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer." What is prayer? Give me a person who has fifteen minutes of mental prayer daily, and I will give you a saint. St. Teresa of Avila Seek by reading and you will find by meditating. Knock by praying, and it will be opened to you in contemplation. St. John of the Cross Poet Scott Cairns recounts a Dan Rather interview with Mother Teresa in which he asked her what she says to God when she prays. "I don't say anything," she said. "I just listen." Then the interviewer asked her what God says to her. "He doesn't say anything," she responded. "He just listens." Mother Teresa For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. St. Therese of Lisieux Prayer The voluntary response to the awareness of God's presence. This response may be an acknowledgment of God's greatness and of a person's total dependence on him (adoration), or gratitude for his benefits to oneself and others (thanksgiving), or sorrow for sins committed and begging for mercy (expiation), or asking for graces needed (petition), or affection for God, who is all good (love). Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary © Eternal Life Why pray? The simple answer is because you love God and believe that He is Father Almighty. If you love God and believe that He is powerful enough to create the heavens and the earth, why would you not want to get to know him better and have him help you in your daily life? Just remember that prayer is supposed to be a two-way dialogue. You talk to God, and you allow God to speak to you. Are there different ways to pray? "How to pray? This is a simple matter. I would say: Pray any way you like, so long as you do pray. You can pray the way your mother taught you; you can use a prayer book. Sometimes it takes courage to pray; but it is possible to pray, and necessary to pray. Whether from memory or a book or just in thought, it is all the same." John Paul II, The Way of Prayer Crossroad Publishing Co. (1995) The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart. Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2721 Vocal prayer, founded on the union of body and soul in human nature, associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart, following Christ's example of praying to his Father and teaching the Our Father to his disciples. Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2722 Meditation is a prayerful quest engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. Its goal is to make our own in faith the subject considered, by confronting it with the reality of our own life. Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2723 Contemplative prayer is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery. Catechism of the Catholic Church ¶2724 Definitely, there are different ways to pray. And, they are all effective so long as we have a loving, prayerful disposition. Prepare to pray? A prayerful disposition is something you may pray to obtain -- pray to pray -- it sounds like a paradox but it works. One can begin with a very simple petition…God knows what we want and need. Here are some examples: "Heavenly Father, I want to spend some time with you now, please be with me." "Jesus, you loved me so much that you gave your life that I may have everlasting life. Please share this time of prayer with me." "Holy Spirit, please fill my heart and mind with your love and grace while I pray." Sacred Scripture (the Bible) is the Word of God. Read Sacred Scripture...study it...meditate upon it... and you will find yourself becoming disposed to a deep communion with the Holy Trinity. Don't get too wrapped up in detailed plans that you ask God to make happen or achieve for you. Remember, God knows everything about you and what you need. Some think it best to simply pray for God's will and the grace to accept the outcome. We can read many of Jesus' prayers. When he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to his arrest and crucifixion he knew what was going to happen and his human nature (not the Divine nature he also possessed) apparently though that dying on the Cross may not be too enjoyable. Even so, Jesus prayed for the Father's will: He said, 'Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.' Mark 14:36 (NRSV) Prayers of "Quiet" and "Union"? Prayer of Quiet A peaceful internal repose by which the soul is captivated by the divine presence. It is the result of contemplative love and is a fruit of the gift of wisdom. During the prayer of quiet the mind is specially enlightened by divine grace and a spiritual delight pervades the whole person. Although the lower faculties and senses are free to exercise their natural activities, God makes himself felt in the subtle part of the soul obscurely as the Great Reality. At first this prayer is of short duration. Under the influence of grace it becomes longer and may eventually become habitual. Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary © Eternal Life Prayer of Union A most intimate union of the soul with God, accompanied by a certitude of his presence within the soul and a suspension of all interior faculties. With this prayer there is an absence of distractions because the soul is entirely absorbed in God. There is no fatigue, no matter how long the union may last, because no personal effort is involved, but rather an extraordinary experience of joy. The soul is left with an ardent zeal to glorify God; complete detachment from all created things; perfect submission to God's will; and great charity for one's neighbor. Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary © Eternal Life What does the Roman Catholic Church say about Prayer? The Catechism of the Catholic Church is divided into four parts. The fourth part is devoted to prayer and the prayer life of Christians. This gives a strong indication of the importance of prayer. Part Four of the Catechism on prayer is available online. It will be well worth your time to read and study it.