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Prayer

Prayer in the Catholic tradition is very rich in spirituality. It is because its sources are rooted from apostolic traditions and continues to be inculturated in the way of living of peoples all over the world.

Definition of prayer:
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church prayer is defined as follows:

it is "a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ" (CCC #2564)
it is "the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit" (CCC #2565)
"Prayer is Christian insofar as it is communion with Christ and extends throughout the Church, which is his Body." (CCC #2565)

The highest form of Christian prayer is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. In this sacramental celebration, the whole of the Church prays and worships God who nurtures the faithful with His Body and Blood.

There are other forms of Christian prayer. Some are communal in dimension, like the Eucharist and the celebration of the other sacraments while other forms are private and can be done individually.

The following are forms of praying in the Catholic tradition:

The list of prayers mentioned above are just the "tip of the iceberg", so to speak, of the many forms of praying in the Catholic Church. From the time of the historical Jesus, who Himself taught us the "Our Father", up to present day modern liturgies that are laden with rich cultural symbols taken from the many cultures in which the Catholic faith has sowed the seed of the Gospel, Catholic prayer traditions continue to enrich us, help us grow, and guide us to maturity in Christ.

What is unique and special about Catholic forms of prayer and the liturgical traditions we have kept since the times of the apostles, is that they are rich in spirituality, since their source comes from Scriptures, Church Teaching, and the classic prayer traditions. Much of these forms of prayer often create depth, mystical experiences, and very contemplative insights. Other Christians who have separated from the Catholic Church disregarded Church teaching and tradition as sources of Christian prayer. They have focused solely on Scriptures and its traditions. We who seek to be Catholic are fortunate to inherit such a rich spiritual tradition of prayer that can be likened to a prism which when the light of the sun shines through it, produces a rainbow of colors. That is how Catholic prayer is when the light of God's blessing shines through our prayerful lives.