Assistant Principal - Mission - Staff and Student Wellbeing

What is prayer? Why do we pray? How do we pray? 

If you are Catholic, particularly if you had a Catholic education, these may be questions that you have never really given much thought. That is largely because from a very young age it has just been a part of our lives. Many people may say, “I don’t really ‘pray’", but in fact we do without even always realising it.

The Webster dictionary defines ‘prayer’ as an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought. Although many of us have grown up reciting formal prayers such as the Our Father or Hail Mary this is certainly not the only way to pray. Prayer could also be in the form of singing, meditation or simply having a chat with God. It can be in the form of speech, song or thought.

Prayer is a way of relating: to God, to ourselves, to those around us. In opening our hearts and minds and souls to God we are challenged to grow, change, and to love.

The tradition of the Catholic Church highlights four basic elements of Christian prayer:

• Prayer of Adoration/Blessing
• Prayer of Contrition/Repentance 
• Prayer of Thanksgiving/Gratitude
• Prayer of Petition/Intercession

Prayer is giving our attention to God in a relationship where we talk to God and also listen to Him. Prayer is like a child’s conversation with their parents. It is natural for a child to ask their parents for the things they need, or to ask for advice or guidance. As it is also a time to be grateful for all they have.

There are many references in the Bible as to the importance of prayer together with many times that Jesus himself prayed to his Father.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6 

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”   Mark 1:35 

Take time out to pray. It can be early in the morning, in the middle of the day, or an hour before you go to bed. Anytime, anywhere. Whatever works for you and brings the best results. It’s worth the effort.

This week the College began Daily Prayer over the loud speaker just prior to the lunch break. Each day one of the 2022 College Leaders or staff members will lead the school in a prayer selected by themselves. We finish each prayer with “John Paul II pray for us”.

If you haven't recently taken the opportunity to be still and with God in prayer, why not give it a try. You might just be surprised how it just works out.

Until next time:

Stay safe and God Bless