Explore the profound nature and purpose of prayer, delving into questions like why we pray if God is omniscient. Discover the impact of various prayer forms, from liturgical to contemplative, and the significance of intercessing for the dead. Gain insights into the transformative power of forgiveness and priors in deepening one’s prayer life, alongside the unique communal aspects of Christian prayer. Understand how faith and perseverance can enhance communication with the divine.
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insights INSIGHT
Prayer Definition
Prayer is raising the mind and heart to God, like a conversation between friends.
God initiates the conversation, and prayer is a meeting of freedoms.
insights INSIGHT
Omniscience and Prayer
God, like a loving parent, desires our expression even though He is omniscient.
He delights in our communication, fostering intimacy despite knowing our needs.
insights INSIGHT
Unchanging God and Prayer
God's providence coordinates our requests with His will, not the other way around.
True prayer aligns our will with God's, prompted by Him, not us changing His plan.
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What is the nature and purpose of prayer? The question may sound simple, but it unearths some complex philosophical and theological issues. If God is omniscient, what is the point of speaking with him, either out loud or in our thoughts if he already knows what we have to say? If God is all good and all powerful, why does it sometimes appear that our prayers go unanswered? More practically, what are we to make of the great diversity of prayers—liturgical prayer, petitionary prayer, worship prayer, the Rosary? Are some forms of prayer more efficacious than others? Here are some tips on how we can understand and grow in our prayer life.
A listener asks why Catholics pray for the dead and if we should pray for the souls of non-Catholics too.
00:00 | Intro 01:34 | Bishop Barron’s holiday season recap 02:45 | What prompted the publication of An Introduction to Prayer? 03:37 | What does it mean to pray? 05:31 | If God knows everything, why do we pray? 07:38 | If God is unchanging, how does prayer change things? 15:53 | If God is all-good, why do prayers go unanswered? 18:40 | How is prayer different for the Christian? 21:56 | The importance of liturgical prayer 23:47 | Understanding contemplative prayer 28:24 | Properly understanding the intercession of the saints 31:25 | Practical principles for growing in prayer 33:41 | Forgiveness as a prerequisite for answered prayers 35:07 | Listener question 37:31 | Join the Word on Fire Institute
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