Why Do We Pray?

[Simon_X]

A poster on another thread has asked this question and I would like to hear responses from CFA Members. Give us your personal or theologically based answers.

I believe in the power of prayer, but thought this a worthwhile question.

Thank you

 

[Eilish_Maura]

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=224296&highlight=why+pray+mary

 

[LilyM]

The question is why we pray full stop, not why we pray to Mary.

Four main reasons commonly given:

1. Adoration (purely to give glory to God and express our love for Him and extol His greatness)
2. Contrition (to plead for mercy or express sorrow for our sinfulness)
3. Thanksgiving (to express gratitude for God’s gifts and blessings that we or others have received) and
4. Supplication (to ask for favours or graces)

I’d add another one - simple communication, to tell Him what’s going on with us and to listen to His voice in return.

 

[cchollands]

Because (a) we’re taught to not be self centered, and (b) because He’s our Father and we need Him.

Imagine no praying. Imagine the adopted child, cared for and loved as deeply as your own flesh and blood, is so busy and so worried by the cares of the world that he/she never seems to have the time to communicate to you. Poor kids…they are really missing out. They who pray have chosen the better thing, and it won’t be taken away.

 

[cchollands]

Because (a) they’re taught to not be self centered, and (b) because they need their Father whether they know it or not.

Imagine no praying. Imagine the adopted child, cared for and loved as deeply as your own flesh and blood, is so busy and so worried by the cares of the world that he/she never seems to have the time to communicate to you. Poor kids…they are really missing out. They who pray have chosen the better thing, and it won’t be taken away.