Praying Our Experiences: Concepts and Expressions of Prayer

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, forms, types, motives, and key statements about prayer from the lecture notes.

Prayer (General Definition)

A dialogue and time of fellowship with God, the power of God through man, being in God's presence, finding the mind of God and agreeing with Him, lifting up our minds and heart to God, and enabling us to see, feel, and love as God does.

Prayer (YouCat Definition)

The turning of the heart toward God, entering into a living relationship with God (YouCat # 469, CCC# 2558-2565).

Prayer (St. Augustine Definition)

A communication of man to God. St. Augustine notes: "A person who sings well, prays twice" and "There are problems we cannot solve by standing, but only through kneeling."

Recollection

An invitation to pause and remember that we are in God's holy presence.

God's Presence

Described in the notes as loving, forgiving, empowering, healing, saving, and uniting.

Contemplation

Allowing God to speak to us without words, actions, or images, entering into pure and intense sacred silence.

Contemplatibus in Actione

A Latin phrase associated with St. John of the Cross meaning "contemplatives in action."

Action (in Prayer)

Actualizing what is prayed and contemplated into one's life; the practical expression of prayer done in the spirit of love or charity.

Ora et Labora

A Latin phrase meaning "pray and work," associated with St. Benedict.

Vocal Prayer

A kind of prayer expressed out loud through spoken words.

Silent Prayer

A kind of prayer offered internally without spoken words.

Spontaneous Prayer

A kind of prayer prayed unscripted and from the heart.

Formal / Liturgical Prayer

Structured, official prayer of worship, including examples like the Holy Eucharist, praying the Rosary, meal prayers, and the Divine Office.

Holy Eucharist Structure

Composed of the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist, including elements such as the Entrance Procession, Offertory, Prayers of the Faithful, and Final Blessing.

Adoration

A motive and purpose of prayer for worship and praise of God (Prov 15:8).

Contrition

A motive and purpose of prayer asking for strength and deliverance so as not to undergo the test (Mt 26:41).

Thanksgiving

A motive and purpose of prayer giving thanks to God always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 5:20).

Supplication or Petition

A motive and purpose of prayer asking God for one's needs, expressed in Mt 7:7: "Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you."

Intercession

A motive and purpose of prayer urging believers to pray, ask God for help, and intercede on behalf of all people (1 Tim 2:1).

Soren Kierkegaard on Prayer

Philosopher who stated: "Prayer does not change God; it changes the one who is praying."