Preparing to Pray
According to Father Mike, what are the first two steps of prayer?
1) God loves you 2) let God love you
the agreement between God and people first revealed in the OT and fulfilled in Jesus Christ
Covenant
Which Parable demonstrates the concept of humility in prayer?
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
How were tax collectors treated during Jesus' time? Why?
Hated/social outcasts, seen as traitors to the Jews
What is the Jesus prayer?
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner
Where our heart is.
The foundation of a life of prayer. It recognizes that life is both sacred and a mystery
Humility
The self-righteous
How were the Pharisees looked at by the Jews during Jesus' time?
Highly influential, strict observance to the law
Name three types of sacramentals
scapular, rosary, crucifix, medals, etc.
How should we end our day in prayer?
By examining our day
“sacred signs by which effects, especially spiritual effects, are signified in some imitation of the sacraments and are obtained through the intercession of the Church”
Sacramentals
The tax collector was justified and the Pharisee was not
Describe the Pharisee's prayer with 2 examples from the parable
prayed to himself, judged others, thanked God he is not like others, lists his accomplishments, stood in front for everyone to see
Name one of the three categories of Sacramentals
1) Blessings, 2) Consecrations, 3) Exorcisms
Who tells us that we should prayer without ceasing?
St. Paul
Lifting our minds and hearts towards God
Prayer
Describe the tax collector's prayer with examples from the parable
stayed off to a distance, did not raise eyes towards God, focused on himself, asks God for mercy
How does the Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector end? (quote)
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, those who humble themselves will be exalted
If you are having trouble with distractions during prayer, what is one thing that you can do to help with this problem?
prayer cards, pictures, prayer beads, using scripture, gently redirect your thoughts
"Nimshal"- ex. the Pharisee was not justified in his prayer but the tax collector was
the "twist"
When do we see Jesus mentioning the Holy Trinity in the Gospels?
When he told the Apostles to Baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Sign of the Cross expresses two of the most important mysteries of the Christian faith, what are they?
1) Jesus suffered and died for us 2) The Holy Trinity