Catholic Light Of Faith Questions For Leading A Prayer?
Reader Question – I have to lead in prayer tomorrow and there is a section under the planning sheet for the prayer that says prayer of praise/thanksgiving/petition/reparation. I’m not Catholic so I have no idea what this means. The theme of my prayer is happiness so if this should be included please keep this in mind. Also, I began with a moment of silence and I am wondering what I should do for a closing?
Please help! I have no idea what I’m doing.
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There is a simply Catholic formula to remember for prayer:
1) Name God (the Father)
2) Thank Him for what He’s done.
3) Ask Him for something you hope He will do.
4) Through Christ’s name. Amen.
Here’s an example of a prayer before a meal using this formula:
Heavenly Father
(name God)
you fed your people in the desert
(something God did)
We pray that this meal strengthens us physically. mentally, and spiritually, so we may better serve you and do your work.
(what you hope God will do)
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
(Ask through Christ’s name. Amen).
I hope this helps
Other than ‘reparation’ these terms are not distinctive Catholic:
‘praise’ – acknowledging the glory of God and His attributes of love, mercy, eternity, etc. – i.e., adoration
‘thanksgiving’ – thanking God for His gifts to us – e.g., life, salvation, sustenance, His Son Jesus Christ, etc.
‘petition’ – requests for assistance – e.g., asking God for continued mercy, health, blessings, etc.
‘reparation’ – this is the equivalent of ‘confession’ or ‘repentance’ – expressing sorrow and pleading for forgiveness for our sins
If ‘happiness’ is to be included, it could be under ‘thanksgiving’ (thanking Him for making us happy), or ‘petition’ (praying for eternal life, wherein lies our only happiness).
Catholics typically open AND close prayers with the ’sign of the cross’. Say ‘in the name of the Father’ (touching your forehead), ‘and the Son’ (touching your belly), ‘and the Holy Spirit’ (touching your left breast and then your right’). Include the moment of silence right after the sign of cross at the beginning, or right before it at the end.
(I’m a Baptist.. not Catholic)
I think it wants you to pray a prayer that
a.) Praises God- Merciful, Loving, Forgiving, Amazing, etc.
b.) Thank God- for the day and the coming days, for everything that has happened and is about to happen. Anything good that your very thankful about.
c.)Confess- repent for the sins that you have done for the week (it’s better if ur specific =))
d.) Request for Stuff- like more blessings to come, better health.. heal the sick, guidance etc.
I think for Catholics, you can just say the last word of the prayer then say the In the Name of The Father and of the son and of the holy spirit, amen.