Prayer is fully revealed and realized in Jesus

541. From whom did Jesus learn how to pray?

        Jesus, with his human heart, learned how to pray from his mother and from the Jewish tradition. But his prayer sprang from a more secret source because he is the eternal Son of God who in his holy humanity offers his perfect filial prayer to his Father.

Jesus with her Mother Mary.

The Revelation of Prayer in the Old Testament

540.What is the importance of the Psalms in prayer?

          The Psalms are the summit of prayer in the Old Testament: the Word of God become the prayer of man. Inseparably both personal and communal, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, this prayer sings of God's marvelous deeds in creation and in the history of salvation. Christ prayed the Psalms and brought them to fulfillment. Thus they remain an essential and permanent element of the prayer of the Church suited to people of every condition and time. 

The book of Psalms.

The Revelation of Prayer in the Old Testament

539. What is the role of prayer in the mission of the prophets?

         The prophets drew from prayer the light and strength to exhort the people to faith and to conversion of heart. They entered into great intimacy with God and interceded for their brothers and sisters to whom they proclaimed what they had seen and heard from the lord. Elijah was the father of the prophets, of those who sought the face of God. On Mount Carmel he achieved the return of the people to the faith, thanks to the intervention of God to whom he prayed: "Answer me, O Lord, answer me!" (1 Kings 18:37).

Elijah, the prophet of God.

The Revelation of Prayer in the Old Testament

538. In the Old Testament, what relationship do the King and the temple have to prayer?

            The prayer of the people of God developed in the shadow of the dwelling place of God -- the Ark of the Covenant, then the Temple -- under the guidance of their shepherds. Among them there was David, the King "after God's own heart," the shepherd who prayed for his people. His prayer was a model for the prayer of the people because it involved clinging to the divine promise and a trust filled with love for the One who is the only King and Lord.

David as a good shepherd.

The Revelation of Prayer in the Old Testament

537. How did Moses pray?

        The prayer of Moses was typical of contemplative prayer. God, who called to Moses from the burning bush, lingered in conversation with him often and at length, "face to face, like a man with his friend" (Exodus 33:11). In this intimacy with God, Moses attained the strength to intercede tenaciously for his people: his prayer thus prefigured the intercession of the one mediator, Christ Jesus.

Moses and the burning bush.

The Revelation of Prayer in the Old Testament

536. How is Abraham a model of prayer?


          Abraham is a model of prayer because he walked in the presence of God, heard and obeyed him. His prayer was a battle of faith because he continued to believe in the fidelity of God even in times of trial. Besides, after having received in his own tent the visit of the Lord who confided his plan to him, Abraham dared to intercede for sinners with bold confidence.

Abraham begs God to spare Sodom.

The Revelation of Prayer

535. Why is there a universal call to prayer?


            Because through creation God first calls every being from nothingness. Even after the Fall man continues to be capable of recognizing his Creator and retains a desire for the One who has called him into existence. All religions,and the whole history of salvation in particular, bear witness to this human desire for God. It is God first, however, who ceaselessly draws every person to the mysterious encounter known as prayer. 

A child praying.