What is the nature and purpose of prayer? The question may sound simple, but it unearths some complex philosophical and theological issues. If God is omniscient, what is the point of speaking with him, either out loud or in our thoughts if he already knows what we have to say? If God is all good and all powerful, why does it sometimes appear that our prayers go unanswered? More practically, what are we to make of the great diversity of prayers—liturgical prayer, petitionary prayer, worship prayer, the Rosary? Are some forms of prayer more efficacious than others? Here are some tips on how we can understand and grow in our prayer life.

A listener asks why Catholics pray for the dead and if we should pray for the souls of non-Catholics too.

00:00 | Intro
01:34 | Bishop Barron’s holiday season recap
02:45 | What prompted the publication of An Introduction to Prayer?
03:37 | What does it mean to pray?
05:31 | If God knows everything, why do we pray?
07:38 | If God is unchanging, how does prayer change things?
15:53 | If God is all-good, why do prayers go unanswered?
18:40 | How is prayer different for the Christian?
21:56 | The importance of liturgical prayer
23:47 | Understanding contemplative prayer
28:24 | Properly understanding the intercession of the saints
31:25 | Practical principles for growing in prayer
33:41 | Forgiveness as a prerequisite for answered prayers
35:07 | Listener question
37:31 | Join the Word on Fire Institute

Links:

An Introduction to Prayer by Bishop Robert Barron: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/an-introduction-to-prayer
Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/

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WOF 473: Why and How to Pray

The Word on Fire Show - Catholic Faith and Culture