Theology 12 Catholic Spirituality

Mr. Phillips
Catholic Church Teaching on Prayer

The following questions can be answered by reading Part Four of the Catechism of the Catholic
Church. To find the Catechism online, follow these instructions:
 Go to http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc/index.htm
 Click on the words Catechism of the Catholic Church (not on Catechism of the Catholic
Church: Compendium).
 Scroll down through the table of contents until you see “PART FOUR: CHRISTIAN PRAYER.”
Click on the words SECTION ONE PRAYER IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE under the heading.

Answer all of the following in complete sentences on a sheet of loose-leaf paper.

1. Paragraph 2558 gives a definition of prayer (after the words “What is prayer?”). Copy
this definition. Who said these words? (Click on the footnote.)
2. Paragraph 2559 gives another definition of prayer. Copy this definition. Who said these
words?
3. Why are the psalms so important for prayer? (See 2585-2589, especially 2587.)
4. In your own words, what is prayer of petition? (2629-2633 and 2646) What distinguishes
this from the prayer of intercession? (2634-2636 and 2647)
5. What Marian prayer is highlighted in paragraphs 2676-2677? Why is Mary so important
in the Christian prayer life (see 2679 and 2682)?
6. Why are the saints so important in Christian prayer and spirituality? (2683-2684)
7. Vocal prayer is listed as the first expression of prayer. In your own words, what is vocal
prayer? (2700-2704 and 2722)
8. Meditation is listed as the second expression of prayer. In your own words, what is
meditation? (2705-2708 and 2723)
9. Contemplative prayer is listed as the third expression of prayer. In your own words,
what is contemplative prayer? (2709-2719 and 2724) Note that this is the most difficult
expression to define.
10. What prayer of Jesus is introduced in paragraphs 2759-2760? Who called this the “most
perfect of prayers?” (2763)

This assignment is worth 20 points (2 pts each).