Chapter 35: Personal Prayer

Question 1

Vocal prayer

Answer 1

Uses words spoken aloud or silently.
Ex. Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.
Begins as memorized prayers, but you will gradually learn to express yourself in your own words
Prayers don’t have to be all good. You are welcome to express both your joy and suffering with God
When you recite prayers try to truly focus on the words you are saying

Question 2

Meditation

Answer 2

form of prayer involving a variety of methods and techniques where you engage the mind, imagination, and emotions to focus on a particular truth, biblical theme, or spiritual matter
Ex. Lectio Divina

Question 3

Contemplation

Answer 3

a form of wordless prayer in which you are fully focused on the presence of God
Sometimes described as “resting in God”
A deep sense of loving adoration of God
Mysticism – an intense experience of the presence and power of God resulting in a deeper sense of union with him