How to pray?

[tabhairt]

Hey,

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

I have attended mass a few times now and although it has been quite overwhelming, just being there in the presence of the Lord has reaffirmed my belief in the living God. I have not begun the formal RCIA process yet, because I am still in the very early stages of learning about the faith - I know already though that Catholicism is ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ and I am so excited for the day I join it.

Thank you,

tabhairt

 

[thistle]

Hey,

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

I have attended mass a few times now and although it has been quite overwhelming, just being there in the presence of the Lord has reaffirmed my belief in the living God. I have not begun the formal RCIA process yet, because I am still in the very early stages of learning about the faith - I know already though that Catholicism is ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ and I am so excited for the day I join it.

Thank you,

tabhairt

I recommend a book (paperback) by Peter Kreeft called Prayer For Beginners.

 

[shutterbugmom27]

I was baptised Catholic and am currently in RCIA to complete my Sacraments. I was not raised with any religion really. I too struggle with how to pray. I read the prayers because I don’t have many memorized. After 4 kids, my memory is not what it used to be So I decided I would just talk to God. I have not developed a prayer routine yet. I am trying. Very hard to start a new habit. I bought a small Catholic Prayer book so I could have it on me at all times. It has all the standard prayers, plus morning, evening, after mass, and a ton of others. It helps me when I can’t think of anything to say.

Heather

 

[shutterbugmom27]

I recommend a book (paperback) by Peter Kreeft called Prayer For Beginners.

I am going to check this book out. It looks interesting.

Heather

 

[Robyn_p]

Hey,

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

I have attended mass a few times now and although it has been quite overwhelming, just being there in the presence of the Lord has reaffirmed my belief in the living God. I have not begun the formal RCIA process yet, because I am still in the very early stages of learning about the faith - I know already though that Catholicism is ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ and I am so excited for the day I join it.

Thank you,

tabhairt

First of all, welcome home!!

None of us can really pray well on our own, even great saints had trouble praying! So don’t feel bad or think it’s something unique to you.

Also there really is no right or wrong way to do it. What works for one person may not work for another.

Sometimes what works for me is just to sit in the presence of God, you don’t have to say anything! God wants our love, not fancy words. Sometimes we can get caught up in his love and fancy words will come, but if they don’t that doesn’t mean our prayers don’t count.

If you’re having trouble finding the right words, then tell God that! I don’t know how many times that’s happened to me, where I just say, “God, I’m here, I don’t know what to say but…I’m here. Help me!” And that’s it!

Don’t worry so much about doing it the right way, give your love to God, and he’ll do the rest. If you’re worried about your health, I would ask him to be healed. But also say, “not my will but yours be done.” Like Jesus.

Just talking to God or reading Scripture meditatively is a good start as well

God bless and welcome home!

 

[JRKH]

Hey,

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

Hey to you too…
Welcome to the family of believers. The angels are dancing…

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

Yes - this can happen. Don’t be too concerned you are doing fine.
Jesus taught us the Our Father both as a specific prayer, and also as a Model of "how to pray. So maybe spend a little time examining the prayer. Something I did to help me was to “reword” the prayer…try to think of synonyms for the words in the prayer. It really helps grasp the meanings and understanding.
Another thing is to look at the construction of the prayer…Praising God first, calling for his will (not ours) second, asking for specific needs (but not overdoing it) third…and so forth.
Just a thought o sort of help you along.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

Basically pray however you are comfortable - but begin with prayer to God. If you wish to pray to Mary or another saint, for their intercession this can follow on - but it is always wise to talk to “dad” first.
As for what to ask for, Yes you can just come straight out and ask for God to make you better. But - always include in that the same prayer that Jesus offered in Gethsemane, “not my will but thine be done”.
It is a good idea to have a set pattern for prayer. Recommended is, upon waking, at meals, noon and bedtime. How long to pray and what prayers (formal or extemporaneous) are up to you. But note that these are recommendations only. you should pray in a way that works for you.

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

No problem…thanks for a nice easy thread to answer…

I have attended mass a few times now and although it has been quite overwhelming, just being there in the presence of the Lord has reaffirmed my belief in the living God. I have not begun the formal RCIA process yet, because I am still in the very early stages of learning about the faith - I know already though that Catholicism is ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ and I am so excited for the day I join it.

Thank you,

tabhairt

Praise God!!! As already mentioned, the angels are dancing at this news.

Peace
James

 

[fred_conty]

Hey,

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

I have attended mass a few times now and although it has been quite overwhelming, just being there in the presence of the Lord has reaffirmed my belief in the living God. I have not begun the formal RCIA process yet, because I am still in the very early stages of learning about the faith - I know already though that Catholicism is ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ and I am so excited for the day I join it.

Thank you,

tabhairt

Here are a few ideas.

‘In all your actions purify your intention, renew it several times a day, often repeat: All for the greater glory of God!’ St. Paul of the Cross​

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=620449&page=5

I said goodbye to laziness and made a promise that I will pray the rosary daily. If I can’t pray the rosary daily, how else am I going to handle the grad school work?

Little did I know that praying the rosary every day will break all vices, sins, and transform you into Jesus Christ without you believing in it.​

what Jesus said when asked that question.

Our Father who art in heaven - that we recall the love(Father) and the respect we should have for Him, and that we are all brothers having one father.

Hollowed be your name - that we hold his holy name in reverence and love.

Your kingdom come - may your plan come to pass and become incorporated into our lives.

Your will be done - in everything we do, we will consider your guidance first.

On earth as it is in heaven - to carry this out in my life in joy, like those in heaven do before your throne singing your wonders. That we will not complain as the Israelites did.

Give us this day our daily bread - provide us with nourishment, both physical, as the Israelites had manna in the desert; and spiritual, as the apostles had in the body and blood of Jesus at the Last Supper.

And forgive us our trespasses - in your mercy do not hold anything against us.

As we forgive those who trespass against us - because we don’t hold anything against anyone else. But if we do, then hold the punishment of our sins against us. I forgive everyone.

And lead us not into temptation - help us to see and avoid evil before we fall into sin. Do not let our hearts become hard.

But deliver us from evil - aid us, if we fall into sin, to recover and come back to you Father.
Amen

 

[midori]

I’m currently reading Interior Castle by Teresa of Avila. It’s giving me context for my prayer, an understanding of the soul, and the effect of sin upon the soul, etc.

The laws of our Order require us to pray many hours a day, yet tell us nothing about how it applies to us, or about what work God has done in our souls in response to our prayers.

And then she goes on to expound with analogies and practicalities to help us clearly visualize something that can be very abstract. One snippet that I enjoyed:

As far as I can understand, the gate by which we enter this castle [our soul, in whose innermost chamber God dwells] is prayer and meditation. I do not allude more to mental than to vocal prayer, because if it is prayer at all, the mind must take part in it. If a person neither considers who he is, what he is asking for, or the holy God to whom he is speaking, though his lips may utter many words, I do not call it prayer.

It definitely helped me with my mindset, and to be more attentive to my prayer life.

 

[The_Reginator]

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

Hey to you too…
Welcome to the family of believers. The angels are dancing…

tabhairt,

A few thoughts.
I too have a problem with discipline in my prayer life. That has resulted in me praying the Rosary daily.

1. I was brought up as an Anglican and when I was 12 years old, around about the time my friends were giving up on religion, I had an experience which resulted in me asking for a bible for Christmas. I began praying in a personal way at that time. I would just speak to God as if I could actually see Him in my room.
   This went on for years, and in university I joined a Christian group which encouraged this personal prayer all the time. I was having a problem with the very idea of ‘rote prayer’. Then I discovered that in praying a memorized prayer, or even one from a prayer book, freed my mind from thinking about what to say. I could meditate on the words instead.
2. One of the great ways of praying is to ‘offer it up’ … offer up your suffering, your work, whatever is going on during your day, as a prayer for a special intention. You can pray for the holy souls in purgatory, the unborn, your own health, your family, whatever.
3. “Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to?” Yes. It is always important to accept God’s most Holy Will for us, but that does not mean that we do not tell our Father what it is that we desire. Remember Jesus in the garden before his suffering and death.
4. We have a great family in heaven. The saints will intercede with us just as our own earthly family members will.

Hmmm… How did I end up typing so much? I am currently watching TV and listening to The New Seekers on YouTube (during commercials) as I type. [Hey, is that multitasking? Maybe I’m becoming a woman…]

Now it’s off to all night Adoration at my local parish.

May God be with you tabhairt.

Your brother in Christ, Reg.

 

[IrishRush]

There’s a song by a band called Mercy Me, titled Word of God Speak. It begins with -
“I’m finding myself
At a loss for words.
And the funny thing is,
It’s OK.”
It continues with -
“The last thing I need,
Is to be heard,
But to hear
What You would say.
Word of God speak!
Would you pour down like rain,
Washing my eyes to see,
Your majesty.
To be still and know,
That You’re in this place.
Please let me stay and rest,
In your holiness.
Word of God speak.”

I think that speaks to “how to pay” pretty well. Just let God be present to you. For lack of a better way to say it, don’t try - just let Him be there with you. Adoration may be a great avenue for you, if for nothing else but the peace you’ll feel.

May God keep you close in your journey to him.
And finally, welcome home!

 

[sanchopanza]

I have been trying to learn meditation following a slow but natural progression after about 10 months of vocal prayer, Rosaries, and daily Scripture/spiritual reading, while attending Mass most days and using Sacraments often. In addition to the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is terrific cover to cover. I’ve also been trying with some difficulty to digest The Ways of Mental Prayer by Dom Vitalis Lehodey. If you want to learn to pack a wallop in your prayer I highly recommend it.

“God places the treasure of his graces at our disposal, and its key is prayer.”

 

[maxdouglas402]

It is a great to hear you have become part of the Church.

I’ve only been back in the Church for a little while but here are some things I think would help:

1. When you pray you are not beginning something new, but you are entering in to the continuous communion with God, so be silent in the presence of God, and allow him to speak to your heart and soul(I just discovered the importance of this and it really gives God a chance to speak).
2. Read the word of God and then pray on it. Ask God to reveal to you what it is he wants you to know.
3. Pray the Rosary. Mary is our Mother as well, and God will listen to our groans through her prayers on our behalf.
4. Here is a prayer I say during times of suffering, “Please God let me offer up my sufferings to your cross for the sake of name blank (relative,friend.etc)” God will always do something with your suffering

 

[Razanir]

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

Welcome home!

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

I describe prayer as talking to God. Doesn’t matter if it’s a well known prayer, asking for something, or even just saying “Thanks” Just remember when asking for something through prayer that it’s God’s Will that gets done.

As for how to pray, here what I do, if it helps: I try to pray a rosary every day, as well as saying grace before meals. But like posters before me have said, what works for one person may not work for everyone else

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

'Tis fine

 

[DebChris]

I am going to check this book out. It looks interesting.

Heather

If this is the book I read many years ago, it has an interesting story at the end.
A monk had been waiting for years for a vision. As he prayed he finally had his vision. At the same time the bells rang that signaled somebody in need. He rose from prayer and fed the poor. When he returned, he was surprised that the vision was still there. The visions response, “If you had stayed, I would have left.”

St. Paul tells us to pray constantly. Some action, not merely words, become our prayer–our acts of charity. Prayer, which is communication with God, is as individual as the person who is praying. Through prayer we “raise our hearts and minds to God.”

The Acronym ACTS summarizes how we pray.
A=Adoration
C=Contrition
T=Thanksgiving
S=Supplication or petition

As a beginner to prayer, set aside some personal time, about 15 minutes a day for prayer. Just as you would not try to go all out with physical exercise, start slowly. You could begin with the Our Father since this is the prayer that Jesus taught his Disciples. Since our faith is condensed into the Apostles Creed, this too is a prayer that you could recite. In time they will become second nature, and you will be able to internalize these prayers as your own. Yes, it is definitely fine to begin by reading. Memorization will come from repetition.
God knows our heart. Don’t be concerned about composing eloquent prayers. Simply tell him what is on your mind. Talk to him as you would your best friend.

 

[tabhairt]

Wow, thank you so much guys! There is so much for me to think about in all of your posts!

One of my problems is that I don’t really know that much about The Bible to learn all these things, I have read the passage about Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane today, and the agony that he went through is truly incredible, and through it all he told his father “may your will be done”, the strength that he drew from God is actually amazing. I tried to contemplate what I read, and just silently sat thinking about the suffering Jesus went through for us for a while, and I feel I got a lot from it.

I really like the acronym ACTS, and I’m definitely going to try to use it when I’m praying. Also, I am really interested in the Rosary, but I feel I need to memorise the prayers before I try to start with it. and as you said JRKH, I should probably start with ‘dad’ first!

I have loads more questions, but I don’t want this thread to stray too far, so I hope you will all bear with me this next while!

Thank you so much,
tabhairt

 

[JRKH]

Wow, thank you so much guys! There is so much for me to think about in all of your posts!

One of my problems is that I don’t really know that much about The Bible to learn all these things, I have read the passage about Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane today, and the agony that he went through is truly incredible, and through it all he told his father “may your will be done”, the strength that he drew from God is actually amazing. I tried to contemplate what I read, and just silently sat thinking about the suffering Jesus went through for us for a while, and I feel I got a lot from it.

What you describe here is actually a form of prayer. It is called “lectio divina”.

I really like the acronym ACTS, and I’m definitely going to try to use it when I’m praying. Also, I am really interested in the Rosary, but I feel I need to memorise the prayers before I try to start with it. and as you said JRKH, I should probably start with ‘dad’ first!

Yes - the rosary is a very good and powerful prayer and tool.

I have loads more questions, but I don’t want this thread to stray too far, so I hope you will all bear with me this next while!

Thank you so much,
tabhairt

You are welcome. Glad to be of help.

Peace
James

 

[fide]

Hey,

I’m new to Catholicism, and in fact religion. I was brought up in a home where believing in God was something to be scoffed at. Due to recent events in my life, I now totally believe in God, and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I am learning more and more about Catholicism every day, especially through the fantastic resources available on this site.

One of the things that I am finding difficult is knowing ‘how’ to pray. I know the Our Father and other basic prayers, but I do not feel confident in having a ‘personal’ type of prayer life. I just feel I am reciting prayers that mean nothing to me. Perhaps it is because I do not know enough about Catholicism and Jesus yet but I do not feel ‘connected’ when praying.

The basic thing that I am struggling with is how do I pray? For example, my health is quite bad at the moment, do I just come straight out and ask God to make me better? Or do I let him know that I understand that this is part of his plan for me and I will follow which ever path he leads me to? Do I pray to Jesus, or Mary, or the Saints in situations like this? How should I pray each day? Should I have a set pattern of praying, or just do what feels right at the time?

I am so sorry for asking a whole lot of questions that have probably been asked a million times! I just feel that if I can’t do the simplest of ways to show my faith I can’t move forward.

I have attended mass a few times now and although it has been quite overwhelming, just being there in the presence of the Lord has reaffirmed my belief in the living God. I have not begun the formal RCIA process yet, because I am still in the very early stages of learning about the faith - I know already though that Catholicism is ‘one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church’ and I am so excited for the day I join it.

Thank you,

tabhairt

The Catechism has a very good section on prayer in general, and a discussion of each petition of the Our Father, in particular. This could help you greatly, I think, if you read it slowly and “prayerfully”, pondering and thinking about all it says. I’m referring to the full, authentic, universal “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” not any other adaptation or version.

 

[DebChris]

My overseas parish recently held a healing mission.
One of the messages focused on the power of the Hail Mary. It was common for the presenter to intersperse his talks with a series of 3 Hail Marys.
This is a practice of reciiting a series of 3 Hail Marys is something you can begin now, before you have the prayers memorized. The Angelus can be traced to the time of the crusades as Catholics in France prayed for their own safety. The Angelus makes simple statements about Mary’s Fiat, her yes in Faith to the angel and to God. It includes 3 Hail Marys. The Angelus is traditionaly prayed at 6am, noon, and 6pm.
The rosary, when you are ready to begin praying it, begins with 3 Hail Marys for a lively faith, a firm hope, and and an ardent charity.
As you begin attending various fellowships, you will find interdenominational gatherings will pray the Our Father. Catholics uniquely pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

If you have begun meditating on the scriptures, such as the Agony in the Garden, you are already well on your way to a vibrant prayer life.
Prayer can be vocal, meditative (mental), or contemplative.
There is a story of a man who every day spent time in the back of a church and simply sat. When this man was asked why he was there, his reply was, “I look at Jesus (on the cross) and he looks at me.” This is an example of contemplative prayer.