Conversations with God: Forming Learners

to Pray in Many Ways

Dr. Joseph D. White

What is Prayer?

• “The raising of one’s heart and mind to God” (St. John Damascene; CCC, 2259).

• Being in the presence of God and in communion with him. (CCC, 2565). • The mystery within which we believe, celebrate and live our faith (CCC,

2258). o Prayer is our response to the call of a loving God. o God calls us in many ways

o In Creation o Through significant people in our lives o In situations and opportunities o In Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition o As he calls us, we answer his call through prayer.

Jesus Christ is the “one mediator” between God and humanity (I Timothy 2:5). As Christians, we approach God the Father through Christ by virtue of a

covenant relationship between God and his people that has unfolded throughout history. Prayer is the expression of that covenant relationship.

Models of Prayer in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition

o The conversations between God and Noah, Abraham, and Moses o The beautiful poetry of the Psalms o The perfect prayer of Jesus o The words and witness of the saints

Forms of Prayer

(CCC, 2625-2643)

o Blessing and Adoration – Recognizing God as the source of all good things and recognizing our state before God.

o Petition – asking God for the things we need. o Intercession – prayer on behalf of someone else. o Thanksgiving – Extoling God for what he has done. o Praise – recognizing God simply for who he is.

What all Christian Prayer

Has in Common

o It is Trinitarian in nature o It seeks communion with God, so it transcends the self. o All prayer is simultaneously both individual and communal

o Personal prayers are joined to those of the whole Church o Traditional prayers are outward expressions of our unity in prayer.

o Prayer is, by nature, conversational – listening as well as speaking.

Some Multisensory Prayer Ideas

o Visuals (make a picture for God) o Make your own chaplets o Prayer pillowcases o Music and movement

God is Listening (Tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)

God is listening when I pray, I can talk to him each day. Praise him for how great he is, Thank him for the things he does. Ask for help with what I do, And pray for all who need him, too.

Questions for Reflection

o What are some different ways to pray? Which do I use most often? o When am I most likely to pray? o In which environments does prayer come most naturally to me?

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