ARK - Assessment of Religious Knowledge Forms of Prayer Questions and Answers

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Meditation

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Communal and liturgical prayer

Answer

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.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Contemplative prayer

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The practice of Lectio Divina

Answer

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.

ARK - Assessment of Religious Knowledge Practice Test

ARK - Assessment of Religious Knowledge Practice Test

ARK - Assessment of Religious Knowledge Forms of Prayer Questions and Answers