Dipping into the Catechism 65

IN THE CHURCH ARE THERE DIFFERENT WAYS OF PRAYING ?
In the Church there are various ways of praying that are tied to different historical, social and
cultural contexts. The Magisterium of the Church has the task of discerning the fidelity of
these ways of praying to the tradition of apostolic faith. It is for pastors and catechists to
explain their meaning which is always related to Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS THE WAY OF OUR PRAYER ?
The way of our prayer is Christ because prayer is directed to God our Father but reaches Him
only if we pray – at least implicitly – in the name of Jesus. His humanity is in effect the only
way by which the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray to our Father. Therefore liturgical prayers
conclude with the formula: “through our Lord Jesus Christ”.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PRAYER ?
Since the Holy Spirit is the interior Master of Christian prayer and “we do not know how to
pray as we ought” (Romans 8:26), the Church exhorts us to invoke Him and implore Him on
every occasion: “Come, Holy Spirit!”
HOW IS CHRISTIAN PRAYER MARIAN ?
Because of her singular cooperation with the action of the Holy Spirit, the Church loves to
pray to Mary and with Mary, the perfect “prayer” and to “magnify” and invoke the Lord with
her. Mary in effect shows us the “Way” who is her Son, the one and only Mediator.
HOW DOES THE CHURCH PRAY TO MARY ?
Above all with the Hail Mary, the prayer with which the Church asks the intercession of the
Virgin. Other Marian prayers are the Rosary, the Akathistos hymn, the Paraclesis, and the
hymns and canticles of diverse Christian traditions.
“I love you, Lord and the only grace I ask is to love you eternally….My God, if my tongue
cannot say in every moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I
draw breath.” St John Marie Vianney, the Curéof Ars.
HOW ARE THE SAINTS GUIDES FOR PRAYER ?
The saints are our models of prayer. We also ask them to intercede before the Holy Trinity for us
and for the whole world. Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. In the
communion of saints, throughout the history of the Church, there have developed different types
of spiritualities that teach us how to live and to practice the way of prayer.
WHO CAN EDUCATED US IN PRAYER ?
The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Daily family prayer is
particularly recommended because it is the first witness to the life of prayer in the Church.
Catechesis, prayer groups, and “spiritual direction” constitute a school of and a help to
prayer.
WHAT PLACES ARE CONDUCIVE TO PRAYER ?
One can pray anywhere but the choice of an appropriate place is not a matter of indifference
when it comes to prayer. The church building is the proper place for liturgical prayer and
Eucharistic adoration. Other places also help one to pray, such as a “prayer corner” at home,
a monastery or a shrine.
WHAT TIMES ARE MORE SUITABLE FOR PRAYER ?
Any time is suitable for prayer but the Church proposes to the faithful certain rhythms of
praying intended to nourish continual prayer: morning and evening prayer, prayer before and
after meals, the Liturgy of the Hours, Sunday Eucharist, the Rosary and feasts of the liturgical
year.