Prayer

Prayer holds a very important place in the life of a christian, because it is through Jesus and with the help of the Holy Spirit that we are able to establish a direct comunion with God. Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name" (john 16:23)

Prayer is lifted up to God exclusively in the name of Christ: "for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Prayer is not recited as some pretermined formula, rather it always springs forth from the reality of our everyday life, because every situation, every need and every gift of God can inspire prayer, whatever the place or time may be. Jesus said: "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9)

The apostle Paul encourages us to maintain a constant comunion with God, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Tessalonians 5:16-18)

Prayers may contain pleas, requests, thanksgiving, and praise"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)

Jesus gave us a model prayer to follow in the gospel of Matthew (Matthew 6:9-13), furthermore, he taught us how to pray: "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans..., for your Father knows what you need before you ask him". (Matthew 6:5-8)