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Manaolana | Lisa Gomes: What is prayer?

10/10/2014 by Hawaii Catholic Herald

Church teaching explained to you

YOUCAT*: Prayer is turning the heart toward God. When a person prays, he enters into a living relationship with God. [2558-2565]

We read in the Old Testament of Abraham and Moses praying to God. We also read of how Samuel and David taught the Israelites how to pray. And in the New Testament, Jesus himself models prayer for us.

Prayer is of one the greatest gifts from God that we have, but it’s more than just saying a few words to God — it is an opportunity for us to develop a deeper relationship with Christ. God is longing to be our “BFF” and it is through prayer that we can have this personal and living relationship with him.

“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.” (St. Therese of Lisieux)

*Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church

Lisa Gomes is the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Filed Under: Columns, Manaolana Tagged With: Lisa Gomes, Manaolana Stories

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