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Prayers

"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. Thérèse of Lisieux

What is Prayer?

Prayer is more than just reciting words—it is about encountering God. It is a personal relationship with the living God, where we experience His love firsthand. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) describes prayer as:

  • “…a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God.” (CCC 2558)
    “…the encounter of God’s thirst with ours.” (CCC 2560)
    “…the living relationship of the children of God with their Father…with His Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 2565)

Prayer lies at the heart of the Church’s life and is the foundation of Christian discipleship. It is a journey where we continue to be surprised by God.

How Do I Pray?

Catholics pray in different ways. The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights three main expressions of prayer:

1. Vocal Prayer

Vocal prayer gives voice to what is in our hearts. It can be:
A simple "Thank you, God, for this day."
A formal celebration like Mass.
An intense cry, as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Traditional Catholic prayers include:

  • The Sign of the Cross

  • The Hail Mary

  • The Lord’s Prayer

  • Grace before meals

Catholics often pray together in communal prayer, such as the Rosary, novenas, litanies, and most importantly, the Mass.

2. Meditative Prayer

Meditation helps us recognise God’s presence in our lives. This can involve:

  • Reflecting on Scripture (especially the Gospels)

  • Praying with sacred writings or images

  • Practicing Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading of Scripture)

Meditation leads to a personal conversation with God, allowing us to listen to His voice.

"Through the study of books, one seeks God; by meditation, one finds him." – St. Pius of Pietrelcina

3. Contemplative Prayer

Contemplation is silent prayer—resting in God’s presence without words. It is like gazing at a sunset or watching a baby smile—a deep awareness of God’s love without the need for speech.

Useful Links

Rosary in Sunset

The Mysteries of the Rosary

The Rosary is made up of twenty "mysteries" (significant events or moments in the life of Jesus and Mary), which, following the Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, are grouped into four series.

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