In prayer we petition God, we talk to him, we adore and worship him, we cry out to him, and we love him. It is a relationship like any other in the sense that we must make it a priority, and invest time in that relationship. But it is unlike any other relationship because there is no greater source of life and love than the true and living God.

The Catechism defines prayer as a "vital and personal relationship with the living and true God" (CCC 2558). He is our source of life and love, and prayer is the way that we cultivate that relationship.

"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." 
-St. Therese of Lisieux (CCC 2558)
 

Prayer can be very difficult to cultivate in our lives. Fortunately, we don't have to do it alone. The catechism says that prayer is both a gift of grace, and a determined response on our part. It always presupposes effort. It is not easy to do. But because it is also a gift fo grace, the Holy Spirit is there with us, helping us when we pray.

The great figures of the old testament, as well as the Mother of God, the great saints, and even Jesus himself, teach us that prayer is a battle. But who is it a battle against? 

First, it is a battle against ourselves. There are many distractions, other priorities, and things to pull us away or easily justify why we don't make the time to pray. It is a battle against our own needs and wants and preferences, and we must fight the battle to set those aside, pick up our crosses, and follow Christ where he may lead. 

Secondly, it is a battle against the wiles of the tempter, who will do everything he can to disuade us from prayer. The catechism and scripture tell us that our battle isn't against a flesh and blood enemy, but against powers and principalities that we can't see. If we want to have a prayer relationship with God, we have to fight for it. 

The topic of prayer can become confusing for some people because Catholics also believe in prayer to saints. This prayer to saints is never done in worship, but rather like a conversation and relationship with those who walked before us, and who now live forever with God. Scripture tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Like asking a good friend for prayer, we can ask the men and women who went before us and are now with God to pray for us as well. 
 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

 

Below are some resources to better understand prayer, how to fight the battle of prayer, ways to pray, and some video resources. 

You will find a  selection of prayers. They are grouped according to type, with the first being prayers to our patron Saint Joseph. As Catholics, we have a rich and ancient tradition of prayer, and many of the essential prayers or devotionals can be found below. 

If you have questions about what Catholics believe about prayer, need to request prayer for a special intention or to request a mass, keep reading or contact us using the contact form at the bottom of the page. You can also recommend other prayers and devotions to be included on this page.