Prayer

Prayer is communion with a God who loves us and desires to be in relationship with us. Jesus teaches us about the importance of prayer. The Gospels record seventeen times that Jesus took time apart to pray. In the Scriptures, Jesus prays often, morning and night. He prays during critical events in his life and he prays before ministering to people in need. Jesus is a model of prayer for us. Prayer is essential to living a full, Catholic life. 

Why We Pray

God desires closeness with us, an intimate relationship. Prayer is communication with God that allows our relationship with Him to develop and grow.

"For me prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look towards Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." - Saint Therese of Lisieux

Everyone is called to live a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2558

Prayer can be public or private. It can be formal or spontaneous. There are many types of prayer, but all center on living and experiencing our relationship with the living God. Each person can develop his or her own style, routine, and rhythm of prayer. Prayer is an essential component of being a Catholic. Prayer helps us form a sense of security and a deeper awareness of our dependence on God.

Tips for Praying

1. Find a quite place and time. Finding a regular time to pray each day can also be helpful to making prayer an important daily routine.
    
2. Calm yourself and put away distractions. It is important to be relaxed when we pray by finding a comfortable posture.
    
3. Use formal prayers or speak what you feel to God, or a combination of each. It is important to note that there is no “right” way to pray. Experiment with styles and forms of prayer. Prayer is an ongoing, developing relationship with God.
    
4. Take time to listen. God does speak to us in prayer but we need to listen with our hearts. Be open to what God is telling you rather than just on what you want to or expect to hear.
    
5. Use the Bible in your prayer.
    
6. Keep a journal of prayer.
    
7. Have a proper attitude. Prayer requires openness to God and a desire to worship and get to know God better.