Teach Us to Pray
A seven-part series on the traditional forms of prayer designated in the Catechism of the Episcopal Church:
“Q. What are the principle kinds of prayer?
A. The principle kinds of prayer are adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession, and petition.”
“Q. What is adoration?
A. Adoration is the lifting up of the heart and mind to God, asking nothing but to enjoy God’s presence.”
“Q. Why do we praise God?
A. We praise God, not to obtain anything, but because God’s Being draws praise from us.”
“Q. For what do we offer thanksgiving?
A. Thanksgiving is offered to God for all the blessings of this life, for our redemption, and for whatever draws us closer to God.”
“Q. What is penitence?
A. In penitence, we confess our sins and make restitution where possible, with the intention to amend our lives.”
“Q. What is prayer of oblation?
A. Oblation is an offering of ourselves, our lives and labors, in union with Christ, for the purposes of God.”
“Q. What are intercession and petition?
A. Intercession brings before God the needs of others; in petition, we present our own needs, that God’s will may be done.”