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The human heart is drawn to the divine. Many people have a sincere longing for holiness and that is why they spend
time in contemplation. We are encouraged to cultivate a profound inner life, contact with Jesus Christ that is both
personal and constant. The Fathers of the Church have consistently said that without true friendship with Jesus, it is
impossible for a Christian, to fulfill the mission of the Lord.
The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church may help focus our attention on the nature of
prayer. Here is a sampling of what you will find:
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- What is Prayer?
Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God, or the petition of good things from him in accord with his
will. It is always the gift of God who comes to encounter man. Christian prayer is the personal and living relationship
of the children of God with their Father who is infinitely good, with his Son Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit
who dwells in their hearts.
- How Does Jesus Teach Us to Pray?
Jesus teaches us to pray not only with the Our Father but also when he prays. In this way he teaches us, in addition to
the content, the dispositions necessary for every true prayer: purity of heart that seeks the Kingdom and forgives
one’s enemies, bold and filial faith that goes beyond what we feel and understand, and watchfulness that protects
the disciple from temptation.
- Why is Our Prayer Efficacious?
Our prayer is efficacious because it is united in faith with the prayer of Jesus. In him Christian prayer becomes a
communion of love with the Father. In this way we can present our petitions to God and be heard: “Ask and you
will receive that your joy may be full” (Jn 16:24).
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