Lent

Our prayers come in different forms and types

By Karin Posdal

	A Compass Lenten series

Prayer is a necessary and vital part of the spiritual growth of a Christian. "The raising of one's mind and heart to God" is the traditional meaning given to prayer. Prayer has been defined as an activity of mind and heart that increases our relationship with God.

Notice, prayer is more than just an act of the mind. It comes, also, from the heart (our inner core) - the place where we love, discern and find truth. Through prayer we form an intimate relationship with God. Prayer is a gift that envelopes us with God's love and graces.

God calls us to pray and prayer is our response to God's invitation. When we pray we become close to God.

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There are different ways and reasons to talk with God. The four main forms of prayer are: adoration, thanksgiving, contrition and petition.

These forms allow us to come to God through our deepest needs as humans.

In the Book of Psalms we find many examples of the four forms of prayer:

• The prayer of adoration (praise) lets us acknowledge our humbleness and the greatness of the God who made and loved us. "Give to the Lord, you heavenly beings, give to the Lord glory and might; give to the Lord the glory due to God's name. Bow down before the Lord's holy splendor!" (Ps 29:1-3)

• The prayer of thanksgiving (gratitude) lets us show our appreciation and thankfulness to God for the blessings we have received. The Mass is the prayer of thanksgiving in its fullest form. "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to your name, Most High." (Ps 92:2-3)

• In the prayer of contrition (sorrow) we express our regrets and sorrow for our sins and wrong doings. "Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundance and compassion blot out my offense. Wash away my guilt; from my sin cleanse me." (Ps 51:3-4)

• The prayer of petition (asking) allows us to ask God for blessings on us and others. By asking God for our needs we show that we depend on God for what is best for us. "To you, Lord, I call; my Rock, do not be deaf to me. If you fail to answer me, I will join those who go down to the pit. Hear the sound of my pleading when I cry to you, lifting my hands toward your holy place." (Ps 28:1-3)

In all the forms of prayer we express faith, hope and love.

We also pray either privately or communally as a group. The celebration of the Mass, praying the Liturgy of the Hours or non-liturgical prayer services are all communal prayers.

There also are different types, styles and method of prayer. Mental prayer has no spoken words. Vocal prayer has a given formula. Some prayers include a certain posture, gestures and movements. Prayer styles and methods have developed throughout Christian history and include:

• Meditative prayer - a mental prayer in which we use Scripture and other spiritual readings to reflect on the whys and hows of Christian life.

• Contemplative prayer - sitting in God's presence and communing with God in a way that goes beyond words, images and concepts.

• Centering prayer - bringing oneself into the presence of God and then using a word (mantra) to stay centered on God.

• Lectio Divina (Word of God) - using Scripture to meditate on the mysteries of Christ to make these mysteries a part of our life.

• Liturgical prayer - the official public worship of the church, including the Eucharist (Mass), sacraments and Liturgy of the Hours.

• Devotional prayer - developed to meet personal or cultural needs, such as the rosary, Stations of the Cross, novenas and litanies.

• Spontaneous prayer - brought to the forefront through the activity of the Holy Spirit.

The reason for the many forms, styles and types of prayer is to bring us closer to God and help us develop our relationship with our God.

(Posdal has a doctorate in ministries. She served five years as the Green Bay Diocese's first non-religious and married parish director at St. Denis Parish in Shiocton and St. Patrick Parish in Stephensville. She retired in 2003.)