Catechism of the Catholic Church Second Edition

  • "God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church. To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son as Redeemer and Savior. In his Son and through him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life."
The Importance of Prayer
Communication with God: Prayer is fundamentally described as a dialogue and a union between a person and God. It fosters a deep connection with the divine, allowing individuals to express their desires, gratitude, and praise. This mutual self-giving is akin to the relationship between friends, emphasizing the personal nature of prayer as an expression of communion with God1.Spiritual Warfare: It is recognized as a vital component of spiritual warfare, alongside fasting and almsgiving. Prayer helps individuals resist temptation and strengthens their resolve to live according to God's will. It is seen as a battle against oneself and the influences that seek to divert one from a relationship with God23.Response to God's Call: Prayer is portrayed as a response to God's initiative of love. It is through prayer that individuals engage in a reciprocal relationship with God, who tirelessly calls them to this encounter. This dynamic highlights the importance of prayer in understanding oneself and one's relationship with the Creator4.Foundation for Evangelization: Prayer is essential for evangelization, as it prepares individuals to proclaim their faith. It is in prayer that the word of God is understood and lived, making it a crucial context for sharing the Gospel message5.Interreligious Dialogue: Prayer plays a significant role in interreligious dialogue, as it reflects humanity's search for God. It fosters a deeper understanding and connection among different faiths, emphasizing the universal nature of prayer as a means of seeking truth and encountering the divine6.Source of Strength and Peace: The act of praying instills courage and supports efforts toward peace. It opens the heart to relationships marked by respect and love, making it a powerful tool for fostering community and understanding7.In summary, prayer is vital as it nurtures a personal relationship with God, serves as a means of spiritual combat, facilitates evangelization, enhances interreligious dialogue, and promotes peace and community.
Prayer for Grandparents and the Elderly I thank you, Lord, for the comfort of your presence.Even in times of loneliness, you are my hope and my confidence.You have been my rock and my fortress since my youthI thank you for having given me a family and for having blessed me with a long life.I thank you for moments of joy and difficulty, for the dreams that have already come true in my life, and for those that are still ahead of me. I thank you for this time of renewed fruitfulness to which you call me.Increase, O Lord, my faith, make me a channel of your peace, teach me to embrace those who suffer more than me, to never stop dreaming, and to tell of your wonders to new generations.Protect and guide Pope Francis and the Church, that the light of the gospel might reach the ends of the earth. Send your spirit, O Lord, to renew the world, that the storms of life be calmed, the poor consoled, and wars ended.Sustain me in weakness and help me to live life to the full in each moment that you give me, in the certainty that you are with me every day, even until the end of the age.Amen.
Prayer to Saint Medard: Saint Medard, patron saint for protection against bad storms, we ask you to intercede for us during the storms of our lives as well as the storms in nature. Protect our families and our homes. We pray for assistance for the victims of snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, especially for the upcoming hurricane that is headed our way tonight.Loving God, send in more helpers, and multiply resources and supplies for the aid of those in need.You calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee; deliver us from the storms that are raging around us now. Saint Medard, pray for us. Amen.