How do Catholics pray?
Prayer is how we talk to our loving God; it is also how we listen for what God might be saying to us.
Want to know more about when, how and why we pray?
Prayer is integral to faith. In prayer, we invite God into all the details of our lives. We express our thanks, our praise, our concerns and our sorrow and regret, knowing we are deeply loved by a forgiving God. While it might feel awkward initially, launching into a conversation with God demonstrates our trust—not just that God is there and listening, but that God will respond and is more than capable of meeting our needs.
Catholic prayer is a deeply personal and profound way to connect with God. It’s a way to express gratitude, ask for guidance, and seek solace in times of need. There are many different forms of Catholic prayer, from the formal prayers recited during Mass to the quiet meditations that occur in the privacy of one’s home. Some Catholics find solace in the repetition of traditional prayers like the Rosary, while others prefer to pray in their own words, expressing their thoughts and feelings directly to God.
Want to know more about when, how and why we pray? Would you like to be connected to a prayer group based in a parish or a local movement? There are prayer groups right around the Diocese meeting on different nights of the week. Contact Mission & Evangelisation for more information.
Types of Prayer
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The Rosary
is a cherished Catholic devotion. It involves the repetition of prayers, including the Our Father and Hail Mary, while meditating on the life of Jesus Christ. Many parishes in the Diocese offer Rosary gatherings.
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Lecto Divina
is a meditative approach to reading Scripture, involving reading, reflecting, praying, and contemplating the biblical text.
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Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Eucharistic Adoration is a powerful way to be in the presence of Christ. Parishes across the Diocese often organise Eucharistic Adoration at different times throughout the week.
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Praise and Worship
In contrast to the quiet of contemplative prayer, praise and worship is a musical expression of faith. Musicians, often a combination of vocalists and instrumentalists, lead the congregation in songs that praise God, express gratitude, and reflect on the teachings of the Church.
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The Divine Office
Also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, this is the Church’s daily prayer that sanctifies the various hours of the day. It is a communal act of worship offered by the clergy and faithful at specific times. You can participate by attending Mass or praying the Liturgy of the Hours at home.
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Liturgical Prayer
Liturgical Prayer refers to the formal prayers and rituals of the Catholic Church, particularly those celebrated during Mass. These prayers follow prescribed texts and structures, often involving congregational participation.