555. Thanks

555. When is thanksgiving given to God? 2637-2638 2648 The Church gives thanks to God unceasingly, above all in celebrating the Eucharist in which Christ allows her to participate in his own thanksgiving to the Father. For the Christian every event becomes a reason for giving thanks.

554. Enemies

554. In what does the prayer of intercession consist? 2634-2636 2647 Intercession consists in asking on behalf of another. It conforms us and unites us to the prayer of Jesus who intercedes with the Father for all, especially sinners. Intercession must extend even to one’s enemies.

553. Kingdom

553. What are the different forms of the prayer of petition? 2629-2633 2646 It can be a petition for pardon or also a humble and trusting petition for all our needs either spiritual or material. The first thing to ask for, however, is the coming of the Kingdom.

552, Adoration

552. How can adoration be defined? 2628 Adoration is the humble acknowledgement by human beings that they are creatures of the thrice-holy Creator.

551. Response

551. What is “blessing”? 2626-2627 2645 The prayer of blessing is man’s response to God’s gifts: we bless the Almighty who first blesses us and fills us with his gifts.

550. Adoration Petition Intercession Thanksgiving

550. What are the essential forms of Christian prayer? 2643-2644 They are blessing and adoration, the prayer of petition and intercession, thanksgiving and praise. The Eucharist contains and expresses all the forms of prayer.

549. Holy Spirit

549. How does the Holy Spirit intervene in the Church’s prayer? 2623 2625 The Holy Spirit, the interior Master of Christian prayer, forms the Church in the life of prayer and allows her to enter ever more deeply into contemplation of and union with the unfathomable mystery of Christ. The forms of prayer expressed in the apostolic and canonical writings remain normative for Christian prayer.