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Forms of Catholic prayer

Blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.

Prayer is lifting mind and heart to God. The tradition names several expressions; most personal prayer blends more than one.

Vocal and mental prayer

Spoken prayer uses words (ours or the Church’s). Mental prayer dwells with Scripture or mysteries in silence, listening as well as speaking.

Liturgical and devotional prayer

The liturgy is the Church’s official worship, especially the Mass and Divine Office. Devotions (Rosary, Stations, novenas) extend liturgical faith into daily rhythm when ordered toward the sacraments.

Contemplation

God sometimes grants simple gaze on him without many words. All prayer tends toward this rest in God, prepared by fidelity in ordinary ways of praying.