Questions and Answers

2739. How do the saints sustain the prayer of the Church? (CCC 2683) The saints sustain the prayer of the Church by:
1. the example of their lives
2. the transmission of their writings
3. their intercession for us in heaven.
2740. What is a spirituality? (CCC 2684) A spirituality is a saint’s personal charism that has been handed on so that their followers may have a share in it.
2741. What is the first place of education in prayer? (CCC 2685) The first place of education in prayer is the Christian family.
2742. How do priests and bishops help the formation in prayer of the faithful? (CCC 2686) Priests and bishops help the formation in prayer of the faithful by:
1. the word of God
2. the Liturgy
3. the life in the theological virtues
4. the understanding of the events of each day.
2743. Which religious consecrate their whole lives to prayer? (CCC 2687) The religious who consecrate their whole lives to prayer are the hermits, monks and nuns.
2744. How does catechesis educate in the practice of prayer? (CCC 2688) Catechesis educates in the practice of prayer by teaching:
1. to meditate on the word of God
2. to practice it in liturgical prayer
3. to internalize it at all times.
2745. Is it necessary to memorize the basic prayers? (CCC 2688) Yes, it is necessary to memorize the basic prayers, because this offers an essential support to the life of prayer.
2746. What is the function of prayer groups in the education of prayer? (CCC 2689) The function of prayer groups in the education of prayer is to be schools of prayer.
2747. What is spiritual direction? (CCC 2690) Spiritual direction is a task fulfilled by certain faithful, especially priests, who counsel others in questions of prayer and spiritual life.
2748. What are the most appropriate places for prayer? (CCC 2691) The most appropriate places for prayer are:
1. the church for the liturgical prayer of the parish
2. a prayer corner for personal prayer
3. a monastery as a place for more intense personal prayer
4. pilgrimages as symbols of our earthly journey toward heaven.