The Basic Forms of Praying

The Basic Forms of Praying
           
In our discussion on the importance of prayer, we saw that there are three basic ways of praying—vocal prayer, meditative prayer, and contemplative prayer. While these ways may seem somewhat intimidating, we will find that, although they require some discipline, they can become a beautiful part of our life.  Praying is certainly something that we should work at each day.  It is a powerful means of growing in holiness because by praying we commune with God who is the All-Holy.
           
We know that every one of us is called to be holy.  This is no surprise, because Jesus Himself commanded us to pursue holiness, “Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48)...  So, let’s take a look at these three basic forms of prayer as we seek to grow in holiness, to grow to become more like God Himself.
           
Vocal Prayer. This is the most common form of prayer and the way we learn to pray from our earliest days. The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Vocal prayer associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart. Even the most interior prayer, however, cannot dispense with vocal prayer. In any case, it must always spring from a personal faith. With the Our Father Jesus taught us a perfect form of vocal prayer.”
           
The importance of the use of vocal prayer should not surprise us. Jesus Himself is called the Word (Logos in Greek). We hear in the Prologue of St. John’s Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him…” (Jn 1:1-3). We see that God’s speaking the Word (Jesus) brings all creation into being. We can affirm that speaking words in prayer is a sacred duty we share that brings us life in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word Himself.
           
Just as speech is necessary to our life and growth as men and women, so also vocal prayer is necessary for our spiritual growth and holiness. We have already noted that Our Lord taught us in the Our Father a perfect form of vocal prayer. The highest and most perfect prayer is also very vocal—the liturgy of the Sacrifice of the Mass. So also, the words of Sacred Scripture and the Sacred Tradition of the Church are prayed vocally in the Divine Office and the other sacraments.
           
The vocal prayers of the Church’s tradition, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, the prayers of the Sacred Liturgy, and countless others, form an indispensable structure from which we open our hearts in praise, adoration and supplication to God.
           
Meditative Prayer. This form of prayer is active mental prayer. What does that mean? It is called active because we intentionally consider a text or an image as to enter into prayers.  We then allow our mind and imagination to ponder the text or image.  The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, “Meditation is a prayerful reflection that begins above all in the Word of God in the Bible. Meditation engages through imagination, emotion and desire in order to deepen our faith, convert our heart and fortify our will to follow Christ. It is a first step toward the union of love with God.”
           
In a real sense, meditative prayer enables us to employ the truth and beauty of God that we find in Sacred Scripture, the writings of the saints, the art of icons and statues, God’s work in creation, and the exquisite architecture of an amazing church as we allow ourselves to be moved to elevate our mind and heart to God.
           
Think of a favorite Gospel passage, a prayer composed by a saint, a statue in your home parish, a sunrise or sunset, a newborn child’s tiny body, or our Cathedral of St. Paul here in Pittsburgh. As you reflect on each, listen carefully to what God is speaking to your heart. St. Padre Pio spoke of why we should meditate. “The final purpose of meditation is the love of God and one’s neighbor. Love the first with all your soul and without reservation, love the second as another self, and you will have arrived at the final purpose of meditation.”
           
Contemplative Prayer. This form of prayer goes beyond words. As The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “Contemplative prayer is a simple gaze upon God in silence and love. It is a gift of God, a moment of pure faith during which the one praying seeks Christ, surrenders himself to the loving Will of the Father, and places his being under the action of the Holy Spirit.”
           
Contemplative prayer requires discipline and making time for God consistently every day. It also depends on our openness and receptivity to God’s grace. While the prayer of contemplation can be done in any place that is quiet and free of distractions, a chapel of Eucharistic Adoration or a parish church is optimal.
           
We must remember this about prayer. It is as necessary for us each day as air, food, and water. It involves effort on our part. It also needs the gift of God’s grace. So, if we are having difficulty in starting to pray, we should go to the Lord and ask Him, “Lord, teach me to pray!” Then just start to pray. It is amazing what God will do in our prayer!

Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh