Ch. 10: Prayer in the Life of a Disciple of Christ

An Invitation to Prayer Prayer is essential to the life of a disciple. Jesus instructs us to pray constantly. Sometimes God grants us what we wish and at others he provides for much deeper needs that we ourselves do not recognize.

Defining Prayer There are several definitions of prayer. Most essentially, prayer is a relationship, our response to God who seeks us. Before beginning with this slide, teachers might lead the class in a discussion or in a “chalk talk” activity where students write different things they associate with prayer up on the board. Based on those responses, the teacher might then ask students how they would define prayer.

Benefits of Prayer: Contributes to our sense of self-worth Leads to happiness Changes us Nourishes us in virtues Energizes, calms, and renews Heals Helps relieve anxiety Deepens our relationship with the Triune God

How to Pray Prayer is an act of love that can be enhanced by following “6 Ps”: place: find a place where you can be in God’s presence period of time: set aside a designated time for prayer posture: assume a posture that helps you be alert and relaxed presence: remember that you are in God’s presence so that you can be present to God passage: one common way to enter into prayer is to be begin with Scripture persistence: strive to focus on prayer in spite of distractions While discussing the 6 Ps, teachers might ask students to come up with examples for each point. * Jesus is pleased that we want to pray, even if we are distracted. Any effort at prayer is prayer itself.

Expressions of Prayer Mental Prayer: conversing with or reflecting on God, sometimes leading into contemplation (a form of silent, wordless prayer where we rest in God’s presence) Vocal Prayer: prayer expressed in words, we do as Jesus taught in the Our Father Meditation: prayerful reflection, especially on the Word of God in Scripture, using our thoughts, emotions, imaginations, and desires to “tune into God.” Some explanation may be necessary to help students understand the difference between meditation and contemplation. See pp.245-246.

Forms of Prayer Blessing: we bless God because he first blesses us Scripture and Tradition have revealed several normative forms of prayer, including: Blessing: we bless God because he first blesses us Adoration: giving glory to God and humbly acknowledging that he is the loving Creator of everything

Forms of Prayer Petition: asking God to provide what we need materially or spiritually contrition is a special type of petition in which we ask God for forgiveness Intercession: a special form of intercession that we make on behalf of others

Thanksgiving: prayer of gratitude to God for all that he has given us The Eucharist (which means “to give thanks”) is a special prayer of thanksgiving that we offer with Christ. Praise: acknowledges that God is God and gives him glory

Traditional Catholic Prayer Practices Icons: when we pray before icons (religious images intended to direct our attention to Heaven), we put ourselves into the presence of the holy person or mystery portrayed Prayer Before the Blessed Sacrament: visiting the Lord in the Eucharist or keeping a holy hour

Traditional Catholic Prayer Practices Litanies: a series of prayers, both invocations and responses, which can be done either communally or privately Novenas: prayers offered over nine days in order to obtain special graces or for particular intentions The Jesus prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Praying with Sacred Scripture Many Catholic prayers come from Sacred Scripture: prayers said at Mass psalms canticles popular prayers like the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Angelus The constant theme in Scripture is that God’s relationship with his people is one of prayer. Before reading this slide, teachers might ask the class where they remember Scripture being used in the Mass.

Models of Prayer in the Old Testament Abraham responded in obedience to God’s call. Moses interceded with God for his people. The Chosen People prayed in the Temple before the Ark of the Covenant. King David composed psalms, which capture human emotion and glorify God. The prophets talked to God, interceded for his people, and proclaimed God’s Word. For additional talking point on each person/group see pp.250-251.

Prayer in the New Testament Jesus learned to pray from his mother and from the Jewish tradition, but… as the Son of God, his prayer also came from who he was.

The Gospels give many examples of Jesus at prayer: Jesus prayed for 40 days in the desert to prepare for his ministry Jesus prayed before making important decisions like selecting the Apostles Jesus prayed after performing miracles Jesus prayed before Peter confessed him to be the Messiah at the time of the Transfiguration Jesus prayed at the Last Supper Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed on the cross

Jesus also taught his disciples how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount, with the Lord’s Prayer, and at all times. The New Testament tells of other models for prayer: the Blessed Mother the Apostles St. Paul See pp.252-254 for additional talking points on these individuals.

The Church Prays with Sacred Scripture The Church prays with Scripture in numerous ways: Mass and other liturgies of the Church Psalms the Our Father

Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church, which offers prayers, Scripture, and reflections at set times of the day: an hour of readings morning praises midday prayers vespers (evening prayers) compline (short night prayer) lectio divina (“sacred reading”), devotional reading aimed at meeting God in Scripture, which includes: reading (lectio) thinking (editation) prayer (oratio) contemplation resolution

Two Special Prayers for Jesus’ Disciples The Lord’s Prayer the preeminent Christian prayer, used in all the sacraments has been called “a summary of the whole Gospel” Teachers may have students recite the “Our Father” and offer their own explanation for what each line means.

Our Father: Jesus invites us to address God with the intimate term Abba (Daddy) Who Art in Heaven: reminds us of God’s transcendence Hallowed Be Thy Name: recognizes God’s holiness Thy Kingdom Come: we pray for Christ’s return and live, experience, and work for the Kingdom Thy Will Be Done on Earth as It Is in Heaven: to do the Father’s will is to join our will to his Son’s and to participate in his ongoing work of Salvation

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread: requesting both material and spiritual goods and blessing that are necessary for life And Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us: to receive forgiveness we must acknowledge our sinfulness and forgive others And Lead Us Not Into Temptation: we pray for the strength to overcome difficulties that might steer us away from Christ But Deliver Us From Evil: we pray that God will protect us from Satan and evil in the world

The Hail Mary Next to the Our Father, the Hail Mary is a favorite Catholic prayer that calls on Mary for her intercession on our behalf. The Hail Mary helps the Church remain in communion with the Virgin Mary, “to magnify the great things the Lord has done for her.” Teachers may have students recite the “Hail Mary” and offer their own explanation for what each line means.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace: indicates that Mary was full of grace, without sin, and blessed by God within her The Lord Is With Thee: God chose Mary, preserved her from sin, and filled her with grace Blessed Are Thou Among Women: As the Mother of God, Mary occupies a unique role in Salvation History Blessed Is the Fruit of Thy Womb, Jesus: blesses Mary for her faith in accepting God’s Word that she was to be the Mother of God

Holy Mary, Mother of God: acknowledges that Mary is the Mother of God because she gave birth to Jesus, who is both true God and true man Pray for Us Sinners: We acknowledge ourselves as sinners and ask Mary to intercede for us. Now and at the Hour of Our Death: We ask Mary, who remained with her Son to the end, to do the same for us.