Is it wrong to pray?

[artphotographer]

I am currently a Protestant looking to possibly become Catholic. I have recently started praying the rosary, but I have one major concern.

There are few big things I am still struggling with as far as accepting the Catholic church, but I would like to pray. Is it okay to say certain prayers like the Apostle’s Creed and Hail Holy Queen, even though I may not agree with everything in each prayer? Is it just the intention that is important, or should I refrain from saying them until I believe them fully?

Thank you!

 

[JaredR]

Maybe you could share which aspects of these prayers you are struggling with?

I think it’s fine to pray them. The Church considers it a form of humility to give assent to something she teaches even though you haven’t fully come to terms with it yet.

 

[Erin_Anne]

I am currently a Protestant looking to possibly become Catholic. I have recently started praying the rosary, but I have one major concern.

There are few big things I am still struggling with as far as accepting the Catholic church, but I would like to pray. Is it okay to say certain prayers like the Apostle’s Creed and Hail Holy Queen, even though I may not agree with everything in each prayer? Is it just the intention that is important, or should I refrain from saying them until I believe them fully?

Thank you!

Sure, it’s ok. Praying will give you the strength and graces to come to terms with the issues you’re struggle with, and to understand what being Catholic is all about. It won’t happen overnight, but if you’re truly being called to the Faith, it will happen.

E.A.

 

[Poco]

I am currently a Protestant looking to possibly become Catholic. I have recently started praying the rosary, but I have one major concern.

Well, if it’s wrong for me to pray the Rosary before I’m “officially Catholic”, I’m in big trouble!

There are few big things I am still struggling with as far as accepting the Catholic church, but I would like to pray. Is it okay to say certain prayers like the Apostle’s Creed and Hail Holy Queen, even though I may not agree with everything in each prayer? Is it just the intention that is important, or should I refrain from saying them until I believe them fully?

Thank you!

As for the Apostle’s Creed, I’m Episcopalian, so we’ve (I’ve) always believed that.
Without knowing exactly what it is that you don’t “fully agree or believe” with, it’s difficult to give much more of an answer. So, having said that, just keep praying! God knows what’s in your heart. Maybe just add a little prayer at the end for some help to “clear things up a bit”!

 

[Zach_Isaiah]

Hi artphotographer,

Would you like to share with us what you feel uncomfortable praying about?

There is no hard and fast rule about it.

You can also pray the Divine Mercy chaplet (with the Rosary) if you feel that the Rosary of Our Mother is too difficult to pray. I’m think there are other set prayers that you could do with the rosary, which you may (at this point) be more comfortable with.

There is a practice that I have heard some people do. That is, where they feel they are struggling with some aspects of faith they ask Our Good Lord and or to Holy Mother Mary, to open your heart to it. I’m reckoning that since you specifically mentioned the Apostles Creed and the Hail Holy Queen, you are not averse to asking Mother Mary for her help.

Hope this helps,
Zach Isaiah

 

[PeaceSerenity]

I think this is something you should be careful about. I agree with JaredR that it is a sign of humility to submit to teachings that you may not yet understand, however, be careful that you are not just saying empty words. Since neither of these prayers are necessary for salvation (or at least don’t need to be said every day), you should take your time with it. Talk to a priest, try to figure out what you do not understand, and then the prayer will be more meaningful. I think it is more important to pray for enlightenment in this situation, rather than to say words that you don’t believe.

 

[TEPO]

I am currently a Protestant looking to possibly become Catholic. I have recently started praying the rosary, but I have one major concern.

There are few big things I am still struggling with as far as accepting the Catholic church, but I would like to pray. Is it okay to say certain prayers like the Apostle’s Creed and Hail Holy Queen, even though I may not agree with everything in each prayer? Is it just the intention that is important, or should I refrain from saying them until I believe them fully?

Thank you!

WHAT!! You dont believe in them fully… What!!

Just kidding, just kidding…

No, seriously I think probably all Catholics at some points during their lifetime have trouble accepting certain things within the Church… But we should always strive and push ourselves to understand them.

Maybe try going back into the CCC where it talks about these things. That will help you get a better understanding, or remind you why we do the things we do.

heres the link to the CCC…
scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

Peace
tepo

 

[Musician]

In the Gospel, Jesus asked Jairus if he believed. Jairus said, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” I think that it is an example we can all follow!

 

[Student09]

I think it’s fine to pray these prayers and grapple with them … I was praying them long before I was comfortable with everything in them or believed it all.

 

[Holly3278]

There is nothing wrong with praying these prayers even if you have doubts about them. But perhaps if you shared what your doubts are, we could help you with them.