Forms of Prayer Flashcards

The Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) consists of prayers prayed at set times throughout the day. The principal hour, also called the 'hinge' of the Office, is:

Answer: Vespers

Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Vespers (Evening Prayer) are the two 'hinge hours' of the Liturgy of the Hours, considered the primary hours of the daily prayer cycle.

In Catholic tradition, the examen prayer, developed by Ignatius of Loyola, involves:

Answer: A daily review of one's actions, feelings, and God's presence in the day

The Ignatian examen is a daily prayer of consciousness — reviewing the day to notice God's presence, give thanks, examine how one acted, and plan for tomorrow.

Lectio Divina, an ancient form of Christian prayer, involves:

Answer: Reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation of scripture

Lectio Divina (sacred reading) is a four-stage practice: lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation) of scripture.

In the tradition of Christian contemplative prayer, the 'cloud of unknowing' is a medieval English text that teaches:

Answer: Prayer through releasing all thought and concepts to approach God in pure love

The Cloud of Unknowing (14th century, anonymous English mystic) teaches that God cannot be reached through intellect but only through love, setting aside all thoughts including those about God.

Intercessory prayer is defined as:

Answer: Praying on behalf of others before God

Intercessory prayer involves bringing the needs of others before God, standing in the gap on their behalf as a mediator of prayer.

The Jesus Prayer, central to Eastern Orthodox spirituality, is:

Answer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner

The Jesus Prayer ('Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner') is a brief prayer synchronized with breathing in hesychast (quiet) tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy.