Engaging Faith

Directions: There are six traditional forms of prayer that can be prayed spontaneously or formally. Each type of prayer has examples in Scripture. Review the definition of each prayer form. Then use the information to see you can identify the prayer form in each Scripture passage. Some of the passages may include more than one form. In honor of Thanksgiving, one passage is listed in full below: We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. —1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 Blessing is the basic movement of Christian prayer. You bless God for having blessed you. Psalm 107:1 Prayer of adoration is a basic response to God, your acknowledgment that God is Creator. Psalm 144:1–5 Prayers of petition are prayers of asking: for forgiveness and for all the things you need. 1 Timothy 2:1–4 Intercessions are prayers of petition in which you ask for things on behalf of others. 1 John 5:14–15 Prayers of thanksgiving are expressions of gratitude to God for every good thing. 1 Peter 1:3–5 Praise is the form of prayer that gives glory to God for his own sake. Luke 18:1–5 Ephesians 1:3–14 1 Corinthians 8:6 1 Thessalonians 1:2–4 Colossians 1:9–12

Lead your students on a guided tour of several places in and around a church, chapel, and/or school that have sacred importance to the prayer life of your community. Examples The altar (and altar relic). Explain that the altar of a church should be located in a central space where it attracts the focus of prayer. Explain the traditional association between martyrs and saints and Catholic altars. For many years it was required that the relics of a saint or martyr be placed in the altar stone. If the altar at your church or chapel has a relic tell something about it and show where it is placed. A grotto or statue of the Blessed Mother. Tell its history and note its dedication plaque. Also, explain that older churches have side altars since more than one Mass were often celebrated at the same time. The statue of the church or school’s patron. Prepare a short biography of the person to share when the group has gathered near the statue. The bell tower. Recall the traditional ringing of the bells three times a day to announce the Angelus. Explain and share the Angelus prayer. If your school or church does have a bell tower, consider having the students climb into the loft. A news rack in the foyer of the church or school. Point out the various types of spiritual readings included and any other prayer cards. Also, show announcements for forming prayer groups like Scripture students and the like. The Blessed Sacrament. Pause and kneel with the group before the Blessed Sacrament. Point out the sanctuary lights, indicating Christ’s presence. Explain something of the history and practice of Benediction, a short ceremony from the fifteenth century in which the Eucharist, in the form of a large consecrated host, is venerated.