Famility Activities

Pathways in Prayer

1. Take a few minutes and simply ponder:

"Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a humble and contrite heart? He who humbles himself will be exalted; 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 freely the gift of prayer. "Man is a beggar before God."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2559

2. Complete the Pathways in Prayer Check List.

Here is a short quiz to help you reflect upon your prayer preferences. Simply place a check beside any numbers that you agree with.
__1. I like to pray outdoors in nature.
__2. I like to pray spontaneously, singing and praying aloud.
__3. I like formal structured prayer like Liturgy of the Hours (Morning and Evening Prayer) and Sunday worship.
__4. I prefer to pray alone rather than with others.
__5. I like to pray in a place with lots of atmosphere – gentle lighting, a lit candle, music playing quietly in the background.
__6. I like to pray and talk with God when I am walking or jogging.
__7. I like to pray with scripture on a regular basis.
__8. I like guided imagery prayer, in which I can use my imagination and senses to experience God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.
__9. I like to gaze at religious art and be moved by images that speak to me of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.
__10. I prefer to pray by using my intellect, probing and questioning scripture and Christian truths to understand their impact on my life and to let them deepen my relationship with God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.
__11. I like to pray through serving others.
__12. I like to journal when I pray.
__13. I enjoy praying through creative media—clay, watercolors, weaving, and so on.
__14. I like to pray the rosary.
__15. Other: ____________________________________________________________

3. In general, how do you like to pray?

Where, how, when, does prayer seem most comfortable to you? If someone was to ask you, how do you pray, what would you say?