Prayer Flashcards
What is prayer?
a way for people to communicate with God, usually done through words
What are formulaic prayers?
*These are prayers that are written down and have not changed through the history of the Church like the Lord’s Prayer
what are the importance of formulaic prayers?
-it also brings a sense of unity as it helps people pray together as the words are known or can be found in a prayer book briging the church together is important as in Corinthians Paul says “everything must be done so that the church must be built up”
-with words that are already known the words can become more meditative which is important as it can help people to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
-During times of change and uncertainty the repetition of familiar prayers provides a sense of comfort and spiritual reassurance
What are extempore prayers?
*Prayers that are said in the moment to match an individual’s ideas or feelings at that time.
why are extempore prayers important?
-they allow for spontaneity and creativity in payer enabling people to respond in the moment to their own spiritual needs or circumstance without being constrained by predetermined formula e.g. if a family member is sick they’re might not be a formulaic prayer that relates to their situation
-this may help encourage Catholics to develop their own spiritual language and deepen their personal relationship with God as they are able to articulate their personal thoughts and feelings to him
-the gospels say “when you pray do not keep babbling like the pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” this may emphasise the sincerity and authenticity of prayer suggesting that lengthy or repetitive words are not necessary to be heard by God
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How does prayer influence a Catholics’s life?
Catholics will pray to continue to build and strengthen their relationship with God as well as thank God for all the things they have been blessed with in their lives
What is the Lord’s Prayer?
•a prayer given by Jesus when his disciples asked how they should pray
•it is a formulaic prayer meaning it has written down and been said throughout the history of the Church
What are some quotes from the Lord’s Prayer?
•”Our father who art in heaven “-The use of “Our Father” reflects the Christian understanding of God as a loving and caring Father. It emphasises God’s relational aspect with humanity helping Catholics build trust and intimacy with Christ
•”Give us today our daily bread”- acknowledges God’s role as a provider and sustainer of life as he provides our basic needs as well as spiritual food i
•”and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”- reminds Catholics to forgive other people as through the resurrection of Jesus Christ they are able to be forgiven
How does the Lord’s Prayer influence a Catholics’s life?
Catholics will say the Lord’s prayer to follow the teachings of Jesus as it is seen as the best way to pray in a humble way.
What do Catholics believe about praying for the dead?
•Catholics believe that the most important action that can be done for someone who has passed away is to pray for them, so if their soul has gone to purgatory then it may pass through there quickly to reach Heaven with God.
•The prayers benefit the souls of the person who has passed away but also those who are living as it unites the members of the Church - both living and dead - to each other and to God.
What is a popular quote used to pray for the dead?
•the Hail Mary says “pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death”- , Catholics seek the intercession of Mary for themselves and for those who have passed away.
How does prayer for the dead influence a Catholic’s life?
Catholics will attend memorial masses for their loved ones wha have died where they will continue to offer prayers for their souls In the hope that they are in peace with God.
