Questions and Answers

2637. Through what figures does prayer begin in the times of creation? (CCC 2569) Prayer begins in the times of creation through:
1. Abel’s offering
2. the invocation of God’s name at the time of Enosh
3. Enoch’s walking with God
4. Noah’s offering.
2639. What does Abraham’s hospitality at Mamre foreshadow? (CCC 2571) Abraham’s hospitality at Mamre foreshadows the annunciation of the true Son of the promise (Gen 18).
2640. What is the final stage in the purification of Abraham’s faith? (CCC 2572) The final stage in the purification of Abraham’s faith is when God asks him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen 22).
2641. What teaching about prayer can be drawn from the nightly battle of Jacob? (CCC 2573) From the nightly battle of Jacob the teaching can be drawn that prayer is a battle of faith and the triumph of perseverance (Gen 32).
2642. Of what kind of prayer does Moses give the most striking example? (CCC 2574) Moses gives the most striking example of intercessory prayer.
2643. In what circumstances does God call Moses? (CCC 2575) God calls Moses from the midst of the burning bush (Ex 3).
2644. How did God use to speak to Moses? (CCC 2576) God used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.
2645. Whence did Moses draw strength for his intercession? (CCC 2577) Moses drew strength for his intercession from his intimacy with God who spoke to him face to face.
2646. From whom did the prophet Samuel learn to pray? (CCC 2578) The prophet Samuel learned to pray from his mother Hannah and from the priest Eli.
2647. What is king David’s main contribution to prayer? (CCC 2579) King David’s main contribution to prayer is his psalms.
2648. What is the famous prayer of king Salomon? (CCC 2580) The famous prayer of king Salomon is the prayer at the dedication of the Temple (1 King 8).
2649. How did the prophets contribute to improve prayer? (CCC 2581) The prophets contributed to improve prayer by educating the people in faith and conversion of heart.
2650. Who is the “father” of the prophets? (CCC 2582) The “father” of the prophets is Elijah (1 King 17-21).
2651. When does Elijah behold the unveiled face of Him whom he sought? (CCC 2583) On the mountain of the Transfiguration Elijah beholds the unveiled face of Him whom he sought (Mt 17).
2652. What is the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament? (CCC 2585) The masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament is the Psalms.
The 150 psalms are collected into the five books of the Psalter.
2653. Why are the Psalms essential to the prayer of the Church? (CCC 2586) The Psalms are essential to the prayer of the Church, because they are prayed and fulfilled in Christ.
2654. What are the main kinds of psalms? (CCC 2588) The main kinds of psalms are:
1. hymns
2. prayers of lamentation or thanksgiving
3. royal chants
4. songs of pilgrimage
5. wisdom-meditations.
2655. What are the characteristics of the Psalms? (CCC 2589) The characteristics of the Psalms are:
1. simplicity and spontaneity of prayer
2. the desire for God
3. the distraught situation of the believer
4. the praise.