Three Expressions of Prayer in the Catholic Catechism

Описание: How do we pray?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the three key expressions of prayer in Christian tradition are:

1. Vocal Prayer
2. Meditation
3. Contemplation

The common element among all three expressions of prayer is the heart. We may pray with words or not, but the most important aspect of prayer is our hearts in relationship with God.

Vocal Prayer

As the Catechism states, prayer takes flesh through words both mental and vocal. Jesus set an example for us. He prayed with words to the Father even on the Cross. He gave us the words of the Our Father to continue to pray after he was gone.

The act of praying vocally makes us aware of God’s presence. We are speaking to someone. We are speaking to a God with whom we can have a relationship.

Meditation

When we meditate, we make connections to our personal lives. We may read Scripture or a book or a written prayer, but open ourselves up to the Lord’s will directly through that experience. We can also use sacred art and music to appeal to all our senses as we reflect on and personalize God’s message to us.

Lectio Divina and the Rosary are both examples of prayerful meditation.

Contemplation

Although it may seem as if this expression of prayer is a higher, more advanced mode of prayer; we should instead think of it as the simplest of these three expressions of prayer. We don’t have to speak. We don’t have to think. We just have to be in the presence of the Lord.

Contemplation can be intense. It can take time and it can take effort. Contemplation requires our attention on God. It is not passive. St. Teresa called it a “close sharing between friends.”

Gaze upon Jesus. Recognize his presence. Let go of all baggage and sit in the presence of the Lord like a child sits with one who loves them.

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