Prayer Tips & Insights

Prayer Tips

The following are some suggestions & considerations to assist you in your prayer life.

• Combine prayers with fasting. "So we fasted, and prayed to our God for this, and our petition was granted." (Ezra. 8:23)

• Forgive others before praying. "Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven." (Sirach 28:2) and "If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mt. 6:14-15)

• Pray respectfully as a loving child to a loving Father.

• Pray with confidence like a child who totally expects that his or her father will take care of his or her every need. Have complete faith, and know & believe that God will listen to your prayers.

• Pray on your knees where possible.

• Ask God for your petitions, but do not make demands.

• Click here for biblical pleadings that God may hear prayers

• Pray humbly and from your heart.

• Pray reverently. Remember, you are speaking to the Creator of all and King of the world!

• Pray where you are least likely to become distracted.

• Pray for forgiveness (Sirach 21:1), that God sets your feet in the path of truth (Sirach 37:15), for those who persecute you (Mt. 5:44), against evil spirits (Mk. 9:25-29), that you may not undergo the test (Mk. 14:38, Lk. 22:40) for those who mistreat and persecute you (Mt. 5:44, Lk. 6:28), pray when you see someone sinning (1 Jn. 5:16), etc.

• Offer up your suffering in prayer.

• Offer up your day in prayer.

• Say the Rosary daily. This cherished method of prayer has been called a "truly heavenly instrument", "the greatest method of praying", "the scourge of the devil", "a treasure of graces", and "the most powerful weapon". It has been advocated by many Popes, Saints, and other Religious. Those who faithfully pray the Rosary may gain many graces. Note: For more information on the Holy Rosary, click here. 

• Make your every action a prayer.

• Learn more prayers (click here) including short, one line prayers (i.e. aspirations) that may be said throughout the day.

• Pray regularly throughout the day: Pray before meals, pray in the morning, pray at night, pray at 3:00 (the hour of our Savior's death), and at other times. Note: Click here for daily prayers.

• Do not neglect the Lord's Prayer which was taught by Jesus himself. Pray it slowly and meditate on it.

• When praying, don't do all the talking. Give God a chance to 'speak' to you. "Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with God. Speak with familiarity and confidence as to your dearest and most loving friend. Speak of your life, your plans, your troubles, your joys, your tears. In return, God will speak to you - not that you will hear audible words in your ears, but words that you will clearly understand in your heart. These may be feelings of peace, hope, interior joy, or sorrow for sin" (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)

• Engage in all appropriate types of prayer (i.e. adoration, thanksgiving, etc.). Remember that prayer is not just for petitions.

• Frequently, meditate on/contemplate a passage from Scripture and on the mysteries of the Rosary. Note: Click here for Scriptural Rosary fliers.

• Ask others to pray for you and with you and don't forget to request the Saints' intercession. "The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful." (Jms. 5:16)

• Utilize both vocal and mental forms of prayer.

• Feel free to request prayers on this site as well as on other appropriate websites, your parish, and elsewhere.

• Throughout the day, give thanks often to God, even if by nothing more than a quiet "Thank You, Lord".  

• Pray frequently. "Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary...Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, He will see to it that justice is done for them speedily." (Lk. 18:1-8) "Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer." (Rom. 12:12) "With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit..." (Eph. 6:18) "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God." (Phil. 4:6) "Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2). "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thes. 5:17) "The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober for prayers." (1 Pt. 4:7)

• Pray near the Holy Eucharist whenever possible.

• Start (and finish) prayers with the sign of the Cross. Be sure to make the sign of the Cross slowly and with devotion.

• Begin prayers with an examination of conscience and an act of contrition.

• Say at least a quick prayer each time you pass a Catholic church.

• Pray for the Pope, priests, for vocations, for the Catholic Church, for the conversion of sinners, for one's country, family, friends, for the elderly, ill/dying, the poor and needy, the weak, persecuted Catholics, the abused, the suffering, the lonely, co-workers, teachers, leaders, souls in purgatory, prisoners, for the faithful, for conversion of unbelievers, for a happy death, for an increase in virtue, for one's enemies, etc. 

• Consider participating in an appropriate Catholic prayer chain/prayer group to pray for the needs of others.

• Make a 'prayer jar' (or 'prayer basket'). Place prayer requests in the jar as you think of them. Pray for the intentions contained in the jar, and also select a request each day for special prayers.

• St. Teresa of Avila recommends praying with one's eyes closed (as appropriate).

• Don't neglect to pray to the Holy Trinity - pray to God the Father, to Jesus the Son, and to God the Holy Spirit.

• Prayers said during the consecration (at Mass) are the most powerful of all prayers. The practice of saying "My Lord and My God" when the Host is raised has traditionally been enriched with indulgences, while simply looking at the raised Host and Chalice reverently may gain you special favors (according to St. Gertrude the Great, your place in Heaven is raised each time you look at the Blessed Sacrament). Be sure to prepare for Holy Communion with appropriate prayers. After Communion, be sure to say the Anima Christi and other appropriate prayers (try here).

• Be sure to give thanks to God for the many gifts He has given you. Put God first and yourself second in your prayers. In the perfect prayer given by Jesus, Our Lord's Prayer, note that our needs are listed second, not first. Try to pattern all your prayers after the Lord's Prayer.

• Frequently recite "Spiritual Communion" prayers (try here).

• Make sure to recite indulgenced prayers frequently. Note: Click here for more information on indulgences.

• Men: Pray with your head uncovered. Women: Pray with your head covered. As stated by St. Paul - under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Cor. 11:3-10): "But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and a husband the head of his wife, and God the head of Christ. Any man who prays or prophesies with his head covered brings shame upon his head. But any woman who prays or prophesies with her head unveiled brings shame upon her head, for it is one and the same thing as if she had had her head shaved. For if a woman does not have her head veiled, she may as well have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should wear a veil. A man, on the other hand, should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; nor was man created for woman, but woman for man; for this reason a woman should have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels." (emphasis added)

• Consider learning favorite prayers in Latin, the Church's official language (try here).

• Do not pray in haste. "Haste is the destroyer of devotion.. If we allow ourselves to get into this habit, the interior spirit, which is the source of all merit, becomes dried up, and instead of the highest use of our intellect there is only a lip-worship, and holy thoughts and noble feelings are replaced by a blind and mechanical repetition. Once slave to this habit, it is vain to multiply our words of prayer... The words that rise to our lips mean nothing to our heart and leave no impression on our soul. They are nothing but a useless set of words like those for which our Lord blamed the heathen: When ye pray, speak not much as do the heathen, for they think in their much speaking they may be heard' (Mt. 6:7)" (St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church)

• Have family prayer time - remember that "the family that prays together stays together". Statistics strongly support the truth of this statement.

• Click here for biblical insight and tips on prayer  

• Consider prayer to be of very great importance in your life. In addition to pleasing our Lord, you will gain enormously from praying.

"Those who pray are certainly saved; those who do not pray are certainly damned." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church) 

"There is, in fact, such a necessary link between holiness and prayer that the one cannot exist without the other." (Pope St. Pius X, "Haerent Animo", 1908) 

"All the damned are in hell because they have stopped praying!... They would not be there had they not stopped praying. " (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church) 

"All the saints are in heaven because they have prayed much. They would be less holy if they had prayed less, and they would not have been there at all, if they had not prayed " (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church) 

"As our body cannot live without nourishment, so our soul cannot spiritually be kept alive without prayer." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church) 

Note: Click here for more reflections on the necessity of prayer

• Do not give up your prayers, no matter what.

Also See: Prayers & Devotions Reflections

[top]

Reasons to Pray and Other Prayer Insights

He is never too busy for you. In fact, He 'longs for your prayer'. At any time of day or night, no matter where you are, you have full, complete, and instant access to the Creator and King of all things. He listens to every word you say. He desires conversation. He knows everything. He made you and all that you love. He knows you intimately and only desires for your good. He will share your burdens and struggles, and rejoice with you in your triumphs.

There is no waiting line and He will not finish your sentences. You can pray anywhere. He listens intently and lovingly to all that you say and He cares for you like no one else can. He has known and loved you intimately since before birth, even better than you know yourself. Should you deny or forget about Him, He still waits for you.      

He cares not how you look, how educated you are, or how much money you make. He does not judge you by your appearance and there is nothing that He will not forgive if you are truly sorry. He never tires of you. You could never do anything to stop His love for you. In fact, He loves you so much that He suffered severe pain, humiliation, and death for you.  

Whether you notice or not, He watches over you all night and during the day. He supplies for all your needs. When you speak to Him, He always has time for you and an eager ear. He will not laugh at you. He always wants your company. You have only to speak to be heard. True forgiveness is yours for the asking.

Unfortunately, many turn to Him only in times of desperation. Of course, it is right to turn to God in such times, but by limiting prayers only to such times, we miss out on the opportunity to build a relationship with the One who loves us perfectly. It has been said that prayer is "the key to all holiness". God wills you to pray and has promised to answer your prayers.

God is your true Father. He loves you deeply and always has your best interest at heart. He provides for your every need and is always there for you. He planned you and He wants you. He longs for you to talk to Him. That breath you just took... it was from Him. Those things that make you smile... they are from Him. God is always there for you and He always seeks for your good. Don't hesitate to pray to Him. And, pray often! He is waiting.

Other Insights on Prayer:

• There is really no such thing as an "unanswered prayer". God knows what is best for you and what isn't. God sees the big picture that we aren't yet able to see. As with our eternal Father, good earthly fathers cannot give their children everything they desire. "Unanswered prayers" are simply requests that your Father must answer in a way other than how you would like Him to.

• Pray in communion with the Saints. The Saints have led very prayerful lives and now sit before the throne of God. They are pleased to offer prayers for you. "The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful." (Jms. 5:16)

• "Prayers make wonderful gifts." While gifts can wear out or be forgotten, prayers have lasting value. Shower those you love with prayers.

• Whether you realize it or not, you depend on God for everything. It is important to thank Him with your prayers for His many gifts.

• Want to be more like Jesus? Jesus prayed often and tells us to do the same. For information on Jesus in prayer, click here.

• Talking with God helps you become closer to him. When your life is over, you don't want to hear Jesus utter the words "Amen, I say to you, I do not know you." (Mt. 25:12)

• Prayers are taken by angels to God. "Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones" (see Rv. 5:8), "Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a gold censer. He was given a great quantity of incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the holy ones, on the gold altar that was before the throne." (Rv. 8:3) "The smoke of the incense along with the prayers of the holy ones went up before God from the hand of the angel." (Rv. 8:4)

• Prayer helps strengthen us in our trials and helps keep us from sin. "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." (Lk. 21:36)

• Prayers are effective and have resulted in many miracles. For answered prayers from the bible, click here. For the answered prayers section on this site, click here.

• God has promised to answer our prayers. "Again, (amen,) I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father." (Mt. 18:19) "Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." (Mt. 21:22) "Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours." (Mk. 11:24)

• Prayers may help save the sick. "My son, when you are ill, delay not, but pray to God, who will heal you" (Sirach 38:9) "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters [priests] of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." (Jms. 5:14-15)

• Prayers can help you become a better parent, a better spouse, a better person, etc. They can help lead to your ultimate happiness in heaven. 

• Prayers are necessary for your salvation. "There is no duty which Christ and His Apostles more emphatically urged by both precept and example than that of prayer and supplication to Almighty God. The Fathers and Doctors in subsequent times have taught that this is a matter of such grave necessity, that if men neglect it they hope in vain for eternal salvation." (Pope Leo XIII, "Fidentem Piumque Animum", 1896)

• God won't force you to pray. The decision is yours. Be sure to make the right one.

Also See...

Answered Prayers Section

Prayers & Devotions Reflections

Prayers, Novenas & Hymns

Prayers of the Saints

Printable Prayers

The Bible on Prayer

Devotions, Sacramentals & Pious Practices

Social Media Sharing

Catholic Community Center ™

Completely Free!

Announcements

Answered Prayers

Catholic Basics

Catholic Book Review & Exchange

Catholic Events

Catholic Fun & Activities

Catholic Life

Catholic Links

Catholic News Links / Current Issues

Catholic Seniors

Church Talk

Coming Home

Feed Your Faith

Give & Take

Good News

Increase Holiness

Latin Mass & Catholic Tradition

Mary Our Mother

Non-Catholics

Notable Catholic Laity

Our Father's Love

Personal Stories of Inspiration

Prayer Requests

Prayers & Devotions

Priests & Vocations

Rosary

Sacraments

Saints

Scripture/Parables

Scripture Exchange

St. Francis Page for Pets

Vatican View

Volunteers' Corner

Why I Love Being Catholic

Support Your Community Center

Notice: Clicking link(s) above

leaves this site

More Information

Problem With Link?

Our Pledge To Donors

What Your Donation Might Do

About Us

MCS Directory

(click here)

"Your Source For All Things Catholic!"

Click for Listings from 'Advertising' to 'Wholesalers'

List Your Catholic Product or Catholic Service FREE! Other listings just $24.95/yr.!+

List Your Business+

Sales & Specials

(click here)

'Click to Save on Catholic & Non-Catholic Products and Services'

Place Your Ad+

Classifieds

(click here)

Place Your Ad Today For Just $9.95!+

Announcements

Catholic Buddies

Catholic Organizations / Groups

Catholic Products

Catholic Services

Employment / Occupational

For Sale

Professional Services / Trades

Miscellaneous

Other Products

Other Services

Wanted

More...

Home

MCS Daily Digest

Quick Guide to This Site

What's New

Reception Desk

Notices

Topic Pages

'Quick Help' Pages

Books / Ebooks | Apps

Reflections

Help | 'Live Chat'

Coming Soon

Featured Sections

URL Shortcuts

Calendar

Goals / Purpose

This site is really free?

How can I add a "post" here?

Mission Statement

Privacy Statement

Imprimatur Information

Terms of Use

by using this site, you agree to all terms

MCS Directory

Community Center

Commercial Areas

Non-Catholics

About Us

FAQs

Tell a Friend

Invite a Business

Link to Us

My Catholic Source.com Blog & RSS Feed Info.

Third Party Programs

Awards

Feedback

Contact Us

This site powered by bfsnet.com

Now Available!

Catholic Word Search - JUMBO Edition

(Original)

(Large Print Edition)

100+ Catholic Word Searches (Incl. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Grace, Rosary, Fatima, And More...)

"Relaxing, educational, good for your memory, mind, focus, vocabulary, and good for your soul!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Also Available...

Catholic Word Search - Bilingual Edition: Latin / English

Search Words In Latin, Meanings In English

55 Catholic Word Searches ~ "Tradition-Minded, Relaxing & Educational!"

Topics Include: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Rosary & More...

"Perfect For Catholic Teens & Adults!" ~ "Great For Home Schoolers!"

Get Your Copy Today!

Why Latin? / Latin Info.

Click link or image above for more information & to purchase.

And...

Catholic Word Search - Bilingual Edition: French / English

Search Words In French, Meanings In English

Absolutely NO Knowledge Of French Is Required!

50+ Catholic Word Searches ~ "Tradition-Minded, Relaxing & Educational!"

Topics Include: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Jesus, B.V.M., Angels, Saints, Sacraments, Rosary & More...

"Perfect For Catholic Teens & Adults!" ~ "Great For Home Schoolers!"

Fun for any time! Also great for...

* Planning a Catholic pilgrimage to France

* Learning some (or brushing up on some) French words

* Increasing your French vocabulary

* Adding fun to a homeschool curriculum

* Enjoying a unique challenge, even if you don't speak a word of French!

Free Sample Here

Get Your Copy Today!

Why Learn French?

Click link or image above for more information & to purchase.

Now Available!

4 Great Inspirational Catholic Coloring Books...

Plus These Handy Coloring Books & Resources...

Lots of Love Coloring Book (Vol.1) - 40 Love-Themed / Affirming Coloring Pages (Easy/Fairly Easy) - "Includes a Variety of Coloring Pages Suitable for Children or Adults!" ~ "Great for Sharing!"

My Colors - Easy & Convenient Color Sample Sheets ~ Coloring Resources Book: 125+ Assorted Color Sample Sheets - "Perfect For Testing, Selecting & Organizing Pen, Marker, Pencil or Crayon Colors!"

My Colors 2 - Easy & Flexible Color Combination Grids ~ Coloring Resources Book: 50+ Color Sample Sheets In 3 Grid Sizes - "Perfect For Previewing, Testing & Selecting Pen, Marker, Pencil Or Crayon Color Combinations!"

[Please Note: Proceeds from sales of these books may support My Catholic Source.com]

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Image(s) Above

Click Here For Coloring Examples

Now Available!

700+ Consoling Thoughts From Holy Scripture

"Inspirational & Uplifting!"

"Some of the most consoling & comforting words from Holy Scripture, all in one place!"

+ + +

Compiled From Traditional Catholic Scripture (Douay-Rheims Translation)

Get it today!

+ + +

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $7.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Now Available!

The iStations Book - Stations of the Cross

Two Traditional Way of the Cross Methods for Catholics Based on Our 'Best Selling' App

Features beautiful images, TWO traditional methods, including a Franciscan method, selected prayers in English & Latin

Get it today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $4.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Now Available!

Catholic Annual Prayer Book

Includes: 365+ Daily Prayers (Jan.-Dec.); Holiday / Seasonal Prayers; Hundreds of Prayers Indexed by Title; Nearly 200 Aspirations / Short Prayers; Over 100 Latin Prayers & Aspirations; 500+ Topics for Meditation; Hundreds of Prayer Tips & Insights; And More...

Includes prayers drawn from Holy Scripture, the liturgy, writings of popes & saints, the Raccolta, the Roman Breviary, the Roman Missal, etc.

A daily prayer companion for Catholics that is 'suitable for any year'!

Kindle Version Just $8.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy

Now Available!

Coloring Book For Catholics: 50+ Latin Prayers

(Beginning - Intermediate - Advanced)

"This 'unique', tradition-minded coloring book which contains some of the most popular Catholic prayers in Latin is a fun way to become more familiar with Latin prayers & increase Latin language retention!"

This 'educational & fun' publication is useful for prayerful relaxation, educational recreation ('learn while you play'), becoming more familiar with Latin prayers & hundreds of Latin words, learning or memorizing Latin prayers, increasing Latin retention, and more...

An enjoyable and instructive tool with respect to Latin (the 'beautiful & majestic language of heaven' and 'official language of the Church' - a language 'consecrated' by the inscription on the Cross that helps to foster a universal bond in prayer with Catholics around the world), this publication is suitable for Catholics of most any age.

+ + +

"This Catholic coloring book - which provides hours of wholesome & educational recreation - is so much better for your soul than television!"

+ + +

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy

Now Available!

My Little Latin Mass Coloring Book

25+ Traditional Latin Mass Coloring Images For Children Or Adults [Low Mass]

"Enjoyable & Educational!"

+ + +

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Click Here to Buy

Catholic Classics Reprint Now Available!

In Heaven We Know Our Own - Or, Solace for the Suffering

This 'Catholic Classic', which offers consoling 'proof' that the faithful departed remember, love & care for those in heaven and for those still remaining on earth, is a "great balm of comfort" to those who have lost a spouse, child, parent, friend, or other loved one. "A thoughtful bereavement gift, and a 'must-have' for grieving Catholics!"

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $2.99!

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Now Available!

Setting The Record Straight About Luther

Important Things Catholics Should Know About The 'Reformer'

Don't miss this 'eye-opening' treatise concerning Martin Luther, the catalyst / leader of the ' Reformation ' (a.k.a. Protestant Rebellion)

Includes: Facts which demonstrate that Luther was NOT sent by God, Luther received approval of his teaching from Satan, Luther's misbehavior, some results of Luther's teachings, Luther admits he could be wrong, and more...

Get your copy today!

For More Information & To Purchase, Click Link Below...

Kindle Version Just $5.99

Notice: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include any applicable taxes.

Now Available!

BIG Book of Latin Activities For Catholics

Beginning - Intermediate (Vol. 1)

"Suitable For Children Or Adults!" ~ "Perfect For Home Schoolers!"

+ + +

As many faithful Catholics already know, the majestic Latin language – the 'official language' of the Catholic Church – promotes unity, helps safeguard the purity of doctrine, connects us with our Catholic ancestors, allows us to pray in "one voice", and even ties back to the inscription on the Cross which was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The Latin language is still used today in the precious treasure that is the Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass, in 'everyday speech' (much of English is derived from Latin), in mottos, in specialized fields, and in educational endeavors. It has been shown that the study of Latin brings many benefits. "And, Latin is truly the language of heaven!"

If you enjoy Latin, you may be glad to know that this full-sized (8.5" x 11"), tradition-minded publication features an assortment of activity types related to Latin (including: word searches, crosswords, coloring activities, challenges, fill-ins, spelling bee, quizzes, unscrambles, true/false, multiple choice, matching, cross-offs, circling, word associations, translation exercises, and more...), and treats of various topics (including: common Latin words, Latin language facts, Latin grammar, nouns & verbs, abbreviations, phrases / sayings / mottos, prefixes, cardinal numbers, grammatical gender, inflection, word roots, diacritics / accenting, pronunciation, Latin prayers / hymns, Scripture verses, Catholic phrases, and more...).

+ + +

" Fun & Educational! "

Get Your Copy Today!

Click Here For More Information & To Purchase

Try Here For Great Catholic Apps!

My Crucifix

For the iPad®, iPhone®,

and iPod touch®...

For the iPad®...

And Other Great Apps...

More My Catholic Source.com Media: Books & Ebooks