People of Prayer

OVERVIEW

Prayer, at its deepest level, is the gift of ourselves to God and our receiving of God's gift of

grace. Prayer may involve a conversation, but words are not necessary. The Catholic tradition

offers many ways of praying, usually categories of adoration, thanksgiving, contrition, and

petition. Catechists need to be in tune with the presence of God in their own lives and to share

their prayerful attitude with their students. Students can be taught to pray in the same way they c

an be introduced to a friend.

OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the place of prayer in the Christian tradition.

2. To begin to view prayer as an intimate activity that is part of a relationship between a person and God.

3. To explore some of the various types of prayer as well as obstacles to prayer.

4. To learn to integrate prayer into the religion lesson.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to explain the nature and value of prayer both personally and within the tradition.

2. The participants will be able to identify some of the various types of prayer.

3. The participants will develop a prayerful attitude and habit in their lives.

4. The participants will be able to plan lessons that lead their students to pray and to see the value of prayer.

Working with the Catechism

The following will help you gain a better under-

standing of prayer as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain" (2562).

Read the Catechism

Read #2558-#2649.

Discuss the Catechism

1. What are some indications of a praying heart?