Dear Parish Family,
In Sunday’s Gospel and the first reading from the Book of Exodus address the need for praying always. The second reading from St. Paul’s second letter to Timothy instructs us to know the faith and to keep the faith. What is faith? What is prayer? How do we learn to pray? What is the difference between saying a prayer and truly praying? It is often said that Catholics do not know the foundation of their faith nor do they have knowledge of Scripture. Is this true? What is the difference between cultural religion and faith? How do we address these questions? The answers are found deep within ourselves.
What Is Prayer?
Prayer, we were taught, is the lifting up of our hearts to God. We uplift our hearts in joyful thanksgiving. Prayer is praising God. Prayer is a lament to God when we are in pain or distress. Prayer is a petition for what we need. Prayer is done in many ways. It is a radical and honest communication with God that finds its beginning in the deepest recesses of our hearts. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that we do not know how to pray as we ought, are we ready to receive the gift of prayer.
The Nature and Practice of Prayer
Man is a beggar before God. Even to pray, we need God’s grace. Prayer is not the words alone—it is the sentiments which the words express. Prayer is found before the presence of the Lord. Look at the psalms in the Bible. Jesus, in his human heart, prayed these psalms. Notice that the psalm really leads you to your inner self as you stand before God. Prayer is a state of the soul. A prayerful disposition is when our spirit is open to the movements of the Holy Spirit deep within us.
Different Forms of Prayer
Prayer can be liturgical, for example, when we all pray together at Mass or at the Liturgy of the Hours. Prayer can be private. Prayer need not have words. Prayer can be sitting in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in silence. Prayer is a journey to God and with God. It is a journey into the deepest parts of ourselves.
The Effect of Prayer on Faith
In the end, prayer changes our hearts. It leads us to a deeper faith. Prayer moves us to a deeper conversion to the mind and heart of Christ.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
October 19, 2025