Prayer & Daily Readings
“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” – Saint Therese of Lisieux
What is Prayer?
God tirelessly calls us to encounter Him. One way in which we are able to encounter Him is through prayer. Prayer is simply a conversation with God which comes from the depths of our hearts and our beings. During His time on earth, Jesus teaches His followers to pray with a purified heart, boldness, and vigilance, assuring them that God listens and answers them. Prayers can be expressed through actions, words, gestures, thoughts, and meditation characterized in different forms such as adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise. No matter how we pray, whether it be more structured with Scripture or at Mass, or more spontaneously; our Lord desires to hear us and speak to us in order to form an eternal relationship. (CCC 2559-2565, 2591 ,2620 -2649)
Meditation
“Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is asking.” CCC 2705
There are a variety of methods of meditation which have been developed throughout the history of the Church. It should engage our thought, imagination, emotion, and desires assisted through the prayerful reflection of icons, religious writings, the rosary, and especially through Holy Scripture. This reflection is essential and should push us further toward contemplation, to know the love of God, to be in union with Him, and to know His will for us. (CCC 2705-2708)
“Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.” – Saint Teresa of Avila
Praying with Scripture
Meditating with Scripture, or lectio divina, Latin for divine reading, is an ancient practice in the Church. It is a slow, almost rhythmic reading and praying of Scripture.
- First, be comfortable, be still and quiet, and ask God to speak to you through His word. Then pick a passage, maybe a few lines or a short chapter, and read it. Slowly. Does a word or phrase capture your attention? If one does, sit with it.
- Next, read it again, slowly and prayerfully. Is God saying something to you in this passage? How do you feel? Sit. Listen to the One who loves you and desires to speak to you.
- Again, read the passage. Slowly and prayerfully. Respond to God from your heart. Speak to Him about what you have found, what you have heard, how you feel. Give all of this to Him.
- Then, simply be still in His presence. Know that He is with you and rest in Him. Listen. Maybe re-read the passage. Spend time in the quiet with Him. As you end, thank our Lord or say another prayer. Journaling can help during this time as well.
Common Catholic Prayers
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done,
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. .
O my God,
I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell;
but most of all because they offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance,
and to amend my life.
Amen.
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary…
Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
Be it done unto me according to your Word.
Hail Mary…
And the Word was made flesh,
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary…
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
God of mercy and love, your faithful servant, Father Demetrius A. Gallitzin, gave up everything to sow the seeds of faith among the people of the Allegheny Mountains. Please listen to his intercession for us in our day, even as we ask that we be allowed to invoke him publicly as our patron with you. Pour out your kindness and mercy upon us and listen to our prayers, as we humbly beseech you to grant us the favor (name your intention). Give us the humble courage of Servant of God Demetrius, so that we may praise and bless you through service to our neighbor and through witness to the Gospel of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Send us your prayer intentions
Your intentions will be prayed for by Bishop Mark and placed in the Pastoral Center chapel