Praying - for new Catholics

[Aaron1988]

Hi everyone I have a few questions about prayers and praying.

First of all how should we start a prayer? How often should a new catholic pray? Why do we pray? Should you pray aloud or silently?

Next why do put our hands together to pray? Should we be on our knees when we pray?

And finally what is the rosary? How is it used, and why? When should you pray with the rosary and when would you pray without it? And who should we pray to?
Thanks for taking the time to read this I know its alot of questions so thank you -Aaron

 

[Dorothy]

Hi everyone I have a few questions about prayers and praying.

First of all how should we start a prayer? How often should a new catholic pray? Why do we pray? Should you pray aloud or silently?

Next why do put our hands together to pray? Should we be on our knees when we pray?

And finally what is the rosary? How is it used, and why? When should you pray with the rosary and when would you pray without it? And who should we pray to?
Thanks for taking the time to read this I know its alot of questions so thank you -Aaron

You can pray anywhere and at any time. For the more formal times that I pray I start with the sign of the cross. It is not necessary to kneel, and when at home I sometimes do not put my hands together in order to be totally relaxed.

Of course at Mass there are times when we pray aloud, and times when we pray silently. Since I live alone, there are times when I do pray aloud, but most of the time I pray silently.

There are many good books on prayer, and also a section of the Catechism that describes the different kinds of prayer. Prayer is a necessary part of our spiritual journey, and the way you pray may change as time passes…with the help of suggestions by a spiritual director.

In the Scripture it says “pray always”…and there are different ways to pray at different times. Obviously, when we are driving a car we do not pray in the same way as when we are quiet and have some time alone to pray.

The Rosary is an excellent way to meditate on the mysteries of Our Lord’s life, while, so to speak, holding the hand of our Blessed Mother, who knows Him so well. There are some threads on the Rosary in the Spirituality forum. During Mass would not be the correct time to pray the Rosary.

 

[lillies09]

I definitely don’t have the best or the “right” answers, so I’ll just add my feeling on this. I have found that the times I feel most connected with the Lord are when I let go of rights, wrongs, being proper, and sugarcoating. I have received comfort and relief just by pouring my heart out to God without a filter; He knows my heart already. I talk to Jesus like I would a dear friend, albeit that He is my Saviour and definitely more important than any human. Sometimes I cannot find words and I find myself just sighing “Oh Father…” and instantly feeling His presence, and just resting in His peace.

Sadly, I have seperated myself from Our Father for awhile now and have been struggling with taking the first step to begin speaking to Him again, so I thank you for giving me a chance to remember how to help myself, if no one else.

Best of wishes to you on your journey. I know you will receive some great answers here.