Prayer is mankind’s means of reaching out to God Almighty. It is by acknowledging our trust, weakness and humility that our Creator will see our faith on how we worship Him and plea in times of need. Prayer can be done in many forms e.g. silent or spoken words, in sacred music or songs, and even in action
Prayer can be done in many forms e.g. silent or spoken words, in sacred music or songs, and even in action just as St. Martin de Porres said, “ Everything, even while sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden and comforting the sick could be a form of prayer if it were offered to God.” Jesus Christ, Son of God taught us how to pray the Our Father (Luke 11:2-4). Thus, it tells us how significant prayer is in order to keep in touch with God. According to Saint Rose of Viterbo, “ Prayer reveals to souls the vanity of earthly goods and pleasures. It fills them with light, strength and consolation, and gives them a foretaste of the calm bliss of our heavenly home.” Mysteries of faith are revealed, spiritual joy is present and graces pour for anyone who in prayer reaches out with confidence to God, the Holy Mother Mary, the saints or even our guradian angel. But with prayers this devotion needs action, for God is pleased to those whose prayers are matched with deeds and good works. Ora et Labore, Prayer and Work as St. Benedict of Nursia would say.
The Holy Catholic Church has liturgical seasons dedicated to prayer and sacrifice. Starting from Advent, in preparation to the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ; Christmastide, lasts 12 days from Christmas to January 5; Ordinary Time (season after Epiphany) ; Lent, season of fasting, sacrifice and prayer from Ash wednesday to Holy Thursday; Easter Triduum, 3 days from Holy Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday, remembering the Last Supper, death and resurrection of the Lord and Triduum, from Jesus ascension to heaven and celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit. Following the Pentecost is Ordinary Time, still filled with days of prayer from the many feasts and celebrations of saints.
Every faithful Catholic is encouraged to pray day and night, especially the Lord’s Prayer, Our Father; the Hail Mary as it honors Mary, the Mother of God; the Apostles Creed, Glory Be, the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel and other devotional prayers given by the church to protect and give grace to its members. Also making the Sign of the Cross from the start and at the end of each prayer is a tradition and devotion by every Catholic during prayer to humbly asked for the blessing In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
