Forms of Prayer Flashcards

A person is praying by silently reading a passage of Scripture and then using their thoughts, imagination, and emotions to understand its meaning for their own life. Which form of prayer does this scenario best describe?

Answer: Meditation

Meditation, or mental prayer, is a form of prayer that engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. It is a quest to understand the 'why' and 'how' of the Christian life in order to deepen faith and strengthen the will to follow Christ. This differs from vocal prayer which uses words, contemplative prayer which is a simple resting in God's presence, and liturgical prayer which is the official, public prayer of the Church.

Which of the following is the best definition of vocal prayer?

Answer: Prayer that is expressed through spoken words, whether recited or spontaneous.

Vocal prayer is the expression of prayer through words, spoken either aloud or silently in the heart. It can be formal, like the 'Our Father,' or informal and spontaneous. The other options describe contemplative prayer, meditation, and liturgical prayer, respectively.

A prayer group gathers and recites the Liturgy of the Hours together. This is primarily an example of which form of prayer?

Answer: Communal and liturgical prayer

The Liturgy of the Hours is part of the sacred Liturgy, which is the official public worship of the Church. Because it is being prayed by a group, it is also communal prayer. While it can have meditative or contemplative elements for the individual, its primary classification in this context is both communal and liturgical.

Which form of prayer is described as a 'silent love' and a 'gaze of faith fixed on Jesus,' often considered a pure gift from God where one simply rests in His presence?

Answer: Contemplative prayer

Contemplative prayer is described as a simple expression of the mystery of prayer, a gaze of faith on Jesus, and a silent love. It is distinct from meditation, which is an active mental quest, and is often seen as a divine gift rather than something achieved by human effort alone.

All of the following are considered expressions of vocal prayer EXCEPT:

Answer: The practice of Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, or 'divine reading,' is a method of meditative prayer involving reading Scripture, meditating on it, praying, and contemplating. While it may lead to vocal prayer, the practice itself is a form of meditation. The other options—reciting a formal prayer, speaking spontaneously to God, and saying grace—are all direct examples of using words to pray, which is the definition of vocal prayer.

A catechist explains that while personal prayer is essential, it is also important to pray with others because Jesus promised, 'Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.' This emphasizes the value of which form of prayer?

Answer: Communal prayer

Communal prayer is prayer offered with others, as a community. The Scripture passage cited (Matthew 18:20) is a foundational teaching on the special presence of Jesus when believers gather to pray together, highlighting the importance and unique nature of praying as a community versus praying alone.