10/10/2025- Methods of Prayer & The Eucharist: Source and Summit of Christian Life

What did the biblical renewal of the 20th century lead Catholics to rediscover?

A prayerful response to one’s encounter with the Sacred Scriptures, an ancient Christian tradition.

Why is responding to the Bible in prayer important?

It holds a privileged place in personal prayer, allowing believers to dialogue with God through His Word.

What are examples of holy prayers and languages of prayer in Christianity?

• The Jesus Prayer in Eastern Christianity: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

• The urgent petition from the Gospel: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

• The act of faith of the apostle Thomas in John’s Gospel: “My Lord and my God.”

These represent the language of prayer — simple, direct, and filled with faith.

What does the phrase “Prayer and the Language of Prayer” mean in Christian spirituality?

It refers to the idea that certain prayers become holy expressions of faith, passed down through tradition and inspired by Scripture.

What role does the human body play in prayer?

The human body expresses inner prayer through gestures and postures, especially during liturgy.

Catholic spirituality includes a series of gestures such as kneeling, bowing the head, standing, extending the arms, and making the sign of the cross.

These gestures form part of the language of prayer and show unity between body and soul in worship.

What did St. Teresa of Avila and St. Augustine say about prayer?

St. Teresa: Everyday life experiences should become the subject of prayer, not just traditional devotions.

St. Augustine: “I shall look to you, Lord, by praying to you, and in praying to you, I shall believe in you.”
→ This emphasizes that prayer strengthens faith and creates an encounter with God.

According to Matthew 6:7, what makes prayer meaningful?

Prayer should have sincerity and faith, not “empty phrases.” True prayer connects Scripture and daily life through faith.

How does prayer differ across Christian traditions?

Eastern Christianity emphasizes short, continuous prayers.

Catholicism focuses on full-person prayer involving the mind, body, and spirit.

How do different religions express theology through prayer posture?

Islam: Kneeling and bowing the head to the ground — sign of surrender to God.

Buddhism: Sitting with eyes nearly closed — discovering truth within.

Catholicism: Prayer is the act of the whole person, integrated into walking, talking, and living.

What does the term Lectio Divina mean?

Lectio Divina means “divine reading.” It is a form of dialogue with the Word of God, a sacred practice of slow, attentive, and prayerful reading of Scripture.

What are the five traditional steps of Lectio Divina?

1. Read (Lectio): Slowly and attentively read a passage from the Gospels.

2. Meditate (Meditatio): Reflect deeply on the passage’s meaning and how God speaks through it.

3. Pray (Oratio): Engage in conversation with God, sharing thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the passage.

4. Contemplate (Contemplatio): Allow the message to become part of your life and submit willingly to the Holy Spirit.

5. Action (Actio): Make new decisions or form new attitudes and behaviors to transform one’s life in light of the Gospel.

What is a simplified method of practicing Lectio Divina?

Ask three reflective questions:

1. How does the passage reflect to the heart?

2. How does it speak to the mind and soul?

3. How does it call me to action?

What are the traditional Christian devotions tied to specific days of the week?

Friday – A day of penance and sacrifice in remembrance of Christ’s Passion.

Saturday – A day dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God.

How many times a day does Jewish law require men and women to pray?

Men: Required to pray three times daily.

Women: Asked to pray once or twice daily, either at home or in the synagogue.

What are the main forms of prayer in Judaism?

Daily prayers: Structured times of worship.

Communal prayer: In the synagogue, to strengthen social and spiritual bonds.

Personal prayer: A private way to connect directly with God.

What are the purposes and practices of Jewish prayer?

• To reach out to God and express belief.

• To share in the life of a worshiping community.

• To offer praise, thanks, and petitions to God.

• To obey and love God through His commandments.

• To pray with total concentration and from the heart.

Synagogue prayers emphasize both relationships with God and with the community.

What is the goal of Jewish prayer?

Goal: To achieve a change of heart, moving beyond daily awareness toward closeness with God and others.

What is the central importance of prayer (Salat) in Islam?

Prayer is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — a serious and mandatory obligation performed five times a day. It serves as a reminder of God’s guidance, forgiveness, and the unity of believers.

How often and in what form do Muslims pray?

Muslims pray five times daily, often standing on a small prayer rug. Prayers are recited in Arabic, accompanied by specific gestures glorifying God.

What are the ritual preparations before Islamic prayer?

The body and mind must be clear and pure.

Perform ritual washing (wudu) — cleansing of hands, arms, feet, and legs.

Wear modest and clean clothing.

This preparation symbolizes inner purity before approaching God.

What are the gestures and movements used during Islamic prayer?

Takbir: Worshippers stand and raise open hands to shoulder level, declaring “Allahu Akbar.”

Qiyaam: Standing posture while reciting verses from the Qur’an.

Ruku: Bowing toward Mecca, hands on knees, saying “Glory be to God the Greatest” three times.

Second Qiyaam: Returning to the standing position.

Sujud: Prostration — forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground. saying “Glory be to God the Highest.”

Tashahhud: Sitting posture while declaring faith.

Second Sujud: Repeated prostration.

Second Tashahhud: Final sitting before completing the prayer.

What is Takbir?

Worshippers stand and raise open hands to shoulder level, declaring “Allahu Akbar.”

What is Qiyaam?

Standing posture while reciting verses from the Qur’an.

What is Ruku?

Bowing toward Mecca, hands on knees, saying “Glory be to God the Greatest” three times.

What is Second Qiyaam?

Returning to standing position.

What is Sujud?

Kneel with palms, knees, toes, nose, and forehead on the ground, saying “Glory be to God the Highest.”

What is Tashahhud?

Sitting posture while declaring faith.

What is Second Sujud?

Repeated prostration.

What is Second Tashahhud?

Final sitting before completing the prayer.

What language does Muslim speak when in prayer?

Arabic

What are the methods of prayer in Hinduism?

Chanting of Mantras: Repetition of sacred words or prayers.
b. Bhakti Yoga: The path of love and devotion to a deity.
c. Puja (Worship): Ritual offering, usually conducted in a temple.
d. Japa: Daily personal prayer at home, often at sunset; includes singing Sanskrit hymns or reading scriptures.
e. Reflection: Meditating on the forms of God or goddess for spiritual growth, understanding, and peace.

What is Bhakti Yoga do?

to emphasize love and devotion to the deity

What do you do in Puja?

Ritual offering, usually conducted in a temple.

What is Japa?

Daily personal prayer at home, often at sunset; includes singing Sanskrit hymns or reading scriptures.

What is the goal of Hindu prayer?

To connect with the Divine, cultivate devotion, and achieve purity and inner peace.

What did the Second Vatican Council call the Eucharist?

The Source and Summit of Christian Life.

How is the Eucharist rooted in Scripture and tradition?

In Leviticus, sacred assemblies were described in the Jewish calendar.

The term Qahal (Hebrew) → Ecclesia (Greek) → Church (English) — meaning the assembly of God’s people.

What is the purpose of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar?

To sanctify time — marking seasons and events that celebrate Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Why is Sunday called the “Lord’s Day”?

Because early Christians changed Saturday to Sunday to honor Christ’s Resurrection.

What is the structure of the Liturgical Year?

1. Advent: 4 Sundays before Christmas; preparation for Christ’s coming.

2. Christmas: Celebrates Jesus’ birth — God becoming man.

3. Lent: Penitential season (Ash Wednesday → Holy Thursday); focuses on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

4. Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday.

5. Easter: 50 days of joy ending with Pentecost.

6. Ordinary Time: 33 Sundays reflecting on Christ’s life and mission.

What is Advent?

4 Sundays before Christmas; preparation for Christ’s coming.

What is Christmas?

Celebrates Jesus’ birth — God becoming man.

What is Lent?

Penitential season (Ash Wednesday → Holy Thursday); focuses on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

What is Easter Triduum?

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday.

What is Easter?

50 days of joy ending with Pentecost.

What is ordinary time?

33 Sundays reflecting on Christ’s life and mission. (33 years of Jesus life on earth)

What do liturgical colors represent?

• Purple: Penance

• Red: Sacrifice or witness

• Rose: Joy and anticipation (only 3rd Sunday Advent, 4th Lent)

• Green: Hope, life, growth

• White/Gold: Joy, purity, eternal life in heaven

What is the Mass?

The holiest act on earth for Catholics, called Christ’s action and the Mystery of Faith. (celebrated on Sunday)

What are the four purposes of the Mass?

• Worship God, Creator and Lord.

• Give thanks for life and blessings.

• Atonement for sins through Christ’s sacrifice.

• Petition for prayer through God the Father.

Who first described Sunday Mass in detail?

St. Justin Martyr (100–165 AD) — two-part structure: Introductory Rites and Liturgy of the Word/Eucharist.

What is the Entrance Song’s significance?

Symbol of unity between heaven and earth; led by the cross, signifying Christ the leader of faith (Hebrews 2:10).

What is the meaning of the Sign of the Cross?

A synthesis of Christian faith: God sent His Son, who died, rose, and sent the Holy Spirit.

How is Jesus present in the Mass?

• In the celebrant (priest).

• In the congregation (people of God).

• In the Scriptures (Word of God).

• In the Eucharist itself.

What is the Gloria and where did it originate?

Ancient hymn sung by the angels at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:14). Added to Mass by Pope Telesphorus (128 AD).

What happens during the Liturgy of the Word?

• 1st Reading: From the Old Testament (except during Easter → Acts).

• Responsorial Psalm: People’s sung response to God’s Word.

• 2nd Reading: From the New Testament letters — the life of the early Church.

• Gospel Acclamation (Alleluia): Expresses joy; from Psalms 113–118.

• Gospel Reading: Listened to standing; the congregation signs the forehead, lips, and heart to live God’s Word.

• Homily: Priest preaches the Gospel, connecting it to daily life.

• Nicene Creed: Stated while standing — symbolizes unity and martyr faith.

• Prayer of the Faithful: Christians intercede for all (1 Timothy 2:1–3).

What are the four actions of Jesus at the Last Supper?

He took, blessed, broke, and gave the bread and wine.

What is the Offertory?

Presentation of bread and wine, representing humanity’s gifts and giving.

What is the Eucharistic Prayer?

The central dialogue between God and His people, developed from St. Cyprian of Carthage’s writings.

What is the “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Sanctus)?

Quoted from Isaiah 6:3, a hymn of the angels praising the Trinity. “Hosanna” means “Lord, save us.”

What happens in the Narrative of Institution?

The bread and wine are consecrated and transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

What does “Anamnesis” mean?

Remembrance — not merely recalling, but re-presenting Christ’s sacrifice.

What happens in the Doxology and Great Amen?

The congregation unites in praise, affirming Christ’s eternal glory.

What occurs during the Communion Rite?

• Sign of Peace: Symbol of reconciliation.

• Lamb of God: Recognizes Christ as the new Passover Lamb.

• Distribution of Communion: The faithful form a line of the redeemed, receiving the Body of Christ and responding “Amen.”

What are the final elements of the Mass?

Concluding Prayer: Summarizes Eucharist’s meaning.

Blessing: Follows biblical tradition (Genesis 49; Luke 24:51).

Dismissal: “Go in peace” — reminder to live Christ’s mission daily.

Recessional Hymn: Signifies life’s journey to heaven.