Starting Prayers, Confession, and the Rapture

[PonderingJak]

I have recently begun trying to be true to my faith, having been born and raised a Catholic, but I had never actually practiced my religion. I hated mass, almost never prayed, and while I believed in God, I didn’t really care. That’s recently changed and I’ve been trying to be more religious, but how do I pray? Should I recite prayers like in a rosary, or should I just go along the lines of, “hey God, [insert petitions and thanks here]”

On a separate note, I’m going to Confession next Saturday for the first time in several months. Is there a list of mortal and venial sins I would be able to consult? I’ve sinned many times and would like to be thorough in their washing away. Would I need to give a rough estimate of how many times I’ve sinned certain sins?

Lastly, I’ve heard that in the Rapture, where everyone living and dead are judged, and those with mortal sins will go to Hell. Would one mortal sin be enough? What if you were sorry of your sins but hadn’t been able to confess them?

Thanks in advance to all who reply, these are really important questions to me, and the third in particular is really eating away at me

 

[Dorothy]

I’ll respond to what you asked about prayer.

Intercessions are only a small part of our prayer. It is good to be aware that the Lord deserves our adoration, praise, and thanksgiving (which you mentioned), as well.

If you like to read there are many good books on prayer that others benefit from. Reading autobiographies from some saints always gives me inspiration. We need to pray whether good feelings go along with our prayer or not. An act of the will helps us keep our focus on the Lord.

If you prefer to listen to direction you can ask a priest to spend some time with you for his advice on prayer.

There is always more to learn about prayer! The Lord gently leads us along His Way if we are faithful to prayer and the sacraments. He loves us unconditionally, and wants the best for us.

 

[agnes_therese]

I have recently begun trying to be true to my faith, having been born and raised a Catholic, but I had never actually practiced my religion. I hated mass, almost never prayed, and while I believed in God, I didn’t really care. That’s recently changed and I’ve been trying to be more religious, but how do I pray? Should I recite prayers like in a rosary, or should I just go along the lines of, “hey God, [insert petitions and thanks here]”

On a separate note, I’m going to Confession next Saturday for the first time in several months. Is there a list of mortal and venial sins I would be able to consult? I’ve sinned many times and would like to be thorough in their washing away. Would I need to give a rough estimate of how many times I’ve sinned certain sins?

Lastly, I’ve heard that in the Rapture, where everyone living and dead are judged, and those with mortal sins will go to Hell. Would one mortal sin be enough? What if you were sorry of your sins but hadn’t been able to confess them?

Thanks in advance to all who reply, these are really important questions to me, and the third in particular is really eating away at me

First of all, welcome back! And congratulations on wanting to “get it right.”

1. You can pray in your own words, you can pray established prayers, you can do both. Do whatever is most comfortable for you. And don’t think that because you start out one way, you have to stay with that forever! Your prayer life is a work in progress.
2. Do a google search for “examination of conscience,” and pick one that appeals to you. While confessing venial sins is a wonderful thing, it’s most important to confess any mortal sins. These sections of the Catechism may be helpful:
   scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a4.htm
   scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm
   For mortal sins, you do need to try to give the number of times committed; if you can’t remember exactly, make your best estimate.
3. The Rapture is not Catholic theology. Yes, we are required to confess our mortal sins, but God knows our hearts even better than we do. Worry about what you can control, not what you can’t.

 

[thequeen]

Welcome back home.

 

[GEddie]

While there isn’t any rapture, there will be s judgement of the living and the dead; it’s in the Nicaean creed.

ICXC NIKA