Prayer and Christian Spirituality Vocabulary

30 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts on prayer, Augustinian spirituality, the model of Jesus, and the Church’s teaching on forms and expressions of prayer.

Prayer (CCC 2559)

“The raising of one’s mind and heart to God,” emphasizing that humility is its foundation.

Humility in Prayer

The acknowledgement of our need for God; the essential attitude that underpins authentic prayer.

God’s Thirst (CCC 2560–2561)

The idea that God longs for us so that we might long for Him, illustrated by Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman.

Prayer as Covenant (CCC 2564–2565)

A living communion between God and the human person, rooted in the Spirit, directed to the Father, in union with Christ.

Augustinian Spirituality

A path that stresses interiority and holy longing, teaching that God is found within the depths of the soul.

Interiority

St. Augustine’s inward journey to the ‘inner person’ where truth and God’s presence dwell (De Vera Religione 39,72).

Holy Restlessness (Inquietudo)

Augustine’s term for the soul’s longing that finds rest only in God: “Our heart is restless until it rests in You.”

“You have made us for Yourself…”

Opening line of Augustine’s Confessions expressing humanity’s innate desire for God.

Jesus as Model of Prayer

Christ’s life shows continual dialogue with the Father, guiding Christians in intimacy, obedience, and mission.

Abba

Aramaic word for ‘Father’; Jesus’ intimate way of addressing God, revealing filial relationship.

Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

Jesus’ template for disciples, summarizing adoration, kingdom longing, dependence, mercy, and perseverance.

High Priestly Prayer (John 17)

Jesus’ intercession for Himself, His disciples, and future believers, emphasizing unity and divine protection.

ACTS Model

A structured pattern of Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication in Christian prayer.

Adoration

Prayer praising God for who He is, focusing on His holiness, majesty, and love.

Confession (Contrition)

Prayer acknowledging sin and seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Thanksgiving

Prayer expressing gratitude for God’s blessings in all circumstances.

Supplication (Petition/Intercession)

Prayer presenting personal needs or the needs of others to God in faith.

Vocal Prayer

Prayer expressed in spoken or silent words; foundational and often communal (CCC 2700–2704).

Meditative Prayer

Prayerful reflection engaging mind, imagination, emotion, and desire to understand God’s Word (CCC 2705–2708).

Contemplative Prayer

Silent, loving gaze upon God; ‘prayer of the heart’ resting in His presence (CCC 2709–2724).

Lectio Divina

A method of meditative prayer that involves slow, prayerful reading of Scripture leading to contemplation.

CCC 2697–2724

Catechism section outlining vocal, meditative, and contemplative expressions of Christian prayer.

Covenant Relationship

The mutual bond between God and humanity expressed and deepened through prayer.

Silence in Prayer

A space of attentive stillness where one encounters God beyond words and images.

Discernment in Prayer

Seeking God’s will through prayerful listening, exemplified by Jesus in Gethsemane.

Communion of Love

The essence of contemplative prayer: intimate union with God characterized by silent affection.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

Authoritative compendium of Catholic doctrine, heavily cited for teachings on prayer.

“Do not go outward…”

Augustine’s exhortation to seek truth within the soul rather than in external appearances.

Inward Journey

The spiritual movement toward the deepest self where God already resides, central to Augustinian thought.

Intercession

Praying on behalf of others, following Jesus’ example of placing humanity before the Father.