PRAYER

The word PRAYER derives from a 14th century French word (preiere) meaning "to obtain by entreaty".

"Prayer is the response of faith to the free promise of salvation and also a response of love to the thirst of the only Son of God" (CCC, no. 2561). Prayer is an indispensable element of every Orthodox Christian's life. Prayer, the lifting of the mind and heart to God, plays an essential role in the life of a devout Catholic. Without a life of prayer, we risk losing the life of grace….

Prayer is conversation with God; the intercourse of the soul with God, not in contemplation or meditation, but in direct address to him. People across the globe have been strengthened, assured and lifted up through prayer. Prayer and reflection are part of the fabric of our work at Catholic Charities. Through prayer we draw support and inspiration from God.

St. Paul’s Letters illustrate the importance of prayer. He tells us that we should “pray without ceasing”, yet sometimes or most of the times, our prayer takes a back seat. But majority of the time I insist on praying before going to sleep – it leaves all of us peaceful!


There have been times when we struggled with prayer. It seems even the Apostles turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, teach us to pray”. But I am trying to teach my children that they don’t have to say lengthy prayers and use too many words – just one line will do – Jesus will surely hear it!


I want to make prayer central to our life so that it can open the doors for us. God is waiting patiently on the other side of that door, at all times, in all situations, to join us – we just have to pray and call out to Him. He is forever there for us!


Prayer formed an important part of life for St Paul – he prayed at all times, night and day; he even remained awake late in the night to pray. We want to pray everyday and thank the Lord God for all the beautiful things He has given us.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (Mark 1) When life gets busy, you need more time to pray, to find clarity about what is necessary and what is not.