By prayer of petition we express awareness of our relationship with God. We are creatures who are not our own beginning, not the masters of adversity, not our own last end.
CCC No. 2629
Reflection: There are those who feel that prayers of petition are somehow selfish or lacking the fullness of devotion for God that praise and adoration express, and yet, petition is an important manifestation of our own sense of right relationship to God, our need for his help, and our faith in his love for us.
Prayer: Lord, help us to value you above all the gifts you give us.
From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
The Gospel reveals to us how Mary prays and intercedes in faith. At Cana, the mother of Jesus asks her son for the needs of a wedding feast; this is the sign of another feast--that of the wedding of the Lamb where he gives his body and blood at the request of the Church, his Bride.
- CCC No. 2618
Reflection: In the wedding at Cana, Scripture shows us both Mary's intercessory power with her son and her ultimate message to those serving Christ, "Do whatever he tells you."
Prayer: Mary, pray to your Son for us.
From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
"Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will." Such is the power of prayer and of faith that does not doubt: "all things are possible to him who believes."
- CCC No. 2610
Reflection: Faith is the key that unlocks the door to all our truest desires; but faith is not just praying with more strength or willpower. Mountain-moving faith is the result of a long and loving relationship with our God, to the point of sharing in the trust that exists between the Father and the Son.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase our faith!
From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
The arguments of [Moses'] prayer...will inspire the boldness of the great intercessors among the Jewish people and in the Church; God is love; he is therefore righteous and faithful; he cannot contradict himself; he must remember his marvelous deeds, since his glory is at stake, and he cannot forsake this people that bears his name.
- CCC No. 2577
Reflection: Moses' intercession starts with God, not with the people he is interceding for. Moses urges God to intercede not primarily for the people's sake, but for God's sake, the sake of his name and holiness.
Prayer: Lord, remember your love for your people.
From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
Abraham's first prayer in words [is] a veiled complaint reminding God of his promises which seem unfulfilled. Thus one aspect of the drama of prayer appears from the beginning: the test of faith in the fidelity of God.
- CCC No. 2570
Reflection: The harsh reality of unanswered prayer is neither a sign that we are unworthy nor proof that God does not exist; it is part of the mystery of the relationship between God and man. To give up when our prayers are not answered is to treat God like an out-of-order vending machine.
Prayer: Lord, hear our prayer.
From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
In the New Covenant, prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father who is good beyond measure, with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit...Thus, the life of prayer is the habit of being in the presence of the thrice-holy God and in communion with him.
- CCC No. 2565
Reflection: To get used to the company of the people we live and work with takes time. The same is true of our relationship with God. We need to pray often to become comfortable in God's company.
Prayer: Holy Trinity, make a home in our homes.
From: Day by Day with the Catechism (Catholic Book Publishing Corp., New York)
