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Prayer in the Christian Life

The recently published "Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church" offers valuable insights into prayer.

The Revelation of Prayer

534. What is prayer?

Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God, or the petition of good things from him in accord with his will. It is always the gift ofGod who comes to encounter man. Christian prayer is the personal and living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is infinitely good, with his Son Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit who dwells in their hearts.

535. Why is there a universal call to prayer?
Because through creation God first calls every being from nothingness. Even after the Fall man continues to be capable of recognizing his Creator and retains a desire for the One who has called him into existence.

All religions, and the whole history of salvation in particular, bear witness to this human desire for God. It is God first of all, however, who ceaselessly draws every person to the mysterious encounter known as prayer.

536. How is Abraham a model of prayer?

Abraham is a model of prayer because he walked in the presence of God, heard and obeyed him. His prayer was a battle of faith because he continued to believe in the fidelity of God even in times of trial.

Besides, after having received in his own tent the visit of the Lord who confided his plan to him, Abraham dared to intercede for sinners with bold confidence.

537. How did Moses pray?

The prayer of Moses was typical of contemplative prayer. God, who called to Moses from the burning bush, lingered in conversation with him often and at length, "face to face, like a man with his friend" (Exodus33:11). In this intimacy with God, Moses attained the strength to intercede tenaciously for his people: his prayer thus prefigured the intercession of the one mediator, Christ Jesus.

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Excerpt from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Copyright © St Pauls Publications