The Types/Expressions of Prayer and their Interrelation

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In the life of prayer, there are different levels and expressions of encounters with God. There may be a library of books of methods of prayer, however, this will address the different moments that make up a relationship with God.

Blessing and adoration are the first responses to God’s love and goodness.[1] After having been loved, man seeks to reflect that love to its Source (cf. John 13:34, cf. Luke 7:47 RSVCE). Man is often “not rich toward God”, therefore man seeks to petition God for all needs (Luke 12:21). As a result, forgiveness is man’s first concern and thus is the way the Church often prays for the world.[2] In this way, the Church follows Christ’s example and with Him intercedes, on behalf of the world, to the Father.[3] In the celebration of the Eucharist, which literally means “thanksgiving”, the Church thanks God for all His blessings, and the faithful bring to His Church the fruits of their labor to return to His use.[4] As is often the case in the Mass, prayers of praise rejoice in God for all His qualities and even in the mere fact that He is Existence Itself.[5] Even to know God is to praise Him.[6] Teresa of Avila is often quoted, “You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him.” (cf. John 14:13). She, thereby, summarizes all these types of prayer.

In conclusion, if we truly wish to make God at least a friend if not a spouse, then we should expect that God meets us where we are at. It is important to remember that we do not know how to pray as we ought to, and follow where the spirit leads from where we are. We cannot meet God where He is without Him meeting us where we are in our struggles, emotional state, etc. If we truly incorporate a relationship with God into the way we live, then we need all of these moments because if we do not turn to Him in our struggles, joys, and needs then we are not letting Him love us in the ways we need and He wants.

FN:

  1. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. (Washington, DC: United States Catholic Conference, 2000), 2627.
  2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2631.
  3. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2634.
  4. Catechism of the Catholic Church,1360.
  5. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2642.
  6. Catechism of the Catholic Church, Cf. 2642.
God guide me in your love,
would that I receive you grace from above.
Without you my beloved how can I live?
Without you I have nothing to give.

In all things Lord you are with me
Help me to be open to recieving Thee.
Infinite is my need for you,
though infinite your love so true.

I am a Theology major attending Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I am a Knight of Columbus and a Newman Ambassador for Pius XII Newman Center.

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