Praying...is there a right and wrong way?

[Mattye]

Good evening -

I remember reading somewhere that we should not pray directly to God (the Our Father prayer aside). I have also read that we should direct our prayers to Mother Mary and/or the saints. I am looking for the reference to this, and will post asap - in the meantime…

Having not been raised Catholic, and only beginning RCIA as we speak, I would like to know what is the proper way to pray over meals, or anytime we pray for ourselves and/our loved ones or fellow man.

Blessings -

Mattye

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Jesus is the first and perfect mediator because He is both God and man. It is always appropriate to pray directly to Him. The highest form of prayer is adoration (latria in Latin) by which we acknowledge God to be God. This form of prayer, therefore, can only be addressed to the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. We also address our prayers of thanksgiving to God, as well as our prayers of contrition, asking God’s mercy and forgiveness.

We offer prayers of supplication to God, asking for what we or others need. But it is also good to ask others to pray for our needs , such as our family members and friends–and most especially, the saints in heaven. Mary is the pre-imminent saint because she is the Mother of Jesus and therefore, the mother of God. Jesus is always pleased when we honor her.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.