How do Catholics pray?
The short answer
Catholics pray in many ways — above all at Mass, but also through set prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary, the Rosary, the Liturgy of the Hours, reading Scripture, silent meditation and contemplation. All prayer, the Church says, is "the raising of one's mind and heart to God."
What prayer is
Saint John Damascene's definition, quoted by the Catechism: prayer is "the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God" (CCC 2559). It is first a relationship — "a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God" (CCC 2558).
The five forms
The Catechism names five basic forms (CCC 2626-2643): blessing and adoration, petition, intercession for others, thanksgiving, and praise.
The three expressions
- Vocal prayer — words, spoken or silent: the Our Father, Hail Mary, Psalms.
- Meditation — reflecting on Scripture or a mystery of faith to understand and respond (CCC 2705). Lectio divina is a classic method.
- Contemplation — "a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus" (CCC 2715); simply being with God in silent love.
Where to start
- Morning: the Sign of the Cross and a Morning Offering.
- Meals: a grace before meals.
- Daily: ten minutes with the Gospel of the day.
- Evening: a brief examination of the day and an Act of Contrition.
- Weekly: Sunday Mass, the summit of all Catholic prayer.
Set prayers vs. your own words
Catholics use both. Memorized prayers carry the faith of the whole Church and give words when we have none. Spontaneous prayer brings our own life to God. Jesus himself prayed the Psalms and taught his disciples a set prayer — the Our Father (Matthew 6:9-13).