← All prayers Ways to Pray
Practices Seven time-tested ways of praying, each small enough for an ordinary day.
The Church names three expressions of prayer — vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2700–2724). Most of these practices are the middle way: quiet, interior prayer.
Mental Prayer 10 min The quiet conversation at the heart of prayer: take today's Gospel, turn it over slowly, and talk with Jesus like a friend. Praying the Psalms 10 min The Psalms are the prayer book of Israel and of the Church: praise, sorrow, trust, repentance, and hope are all welcome there. Breath Prayer · the Jesus Prayer 3 min The Church treasures the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners.” Pray it gently with your breathing, not as a technique to empty the mind, but as a simple, repeated turning toward Jesus. Fasting with Prayer 5 min to begin Christian fasting joins a small, freely chosen sacrifice to prayer and conversion of heart. Intercession 5 min Intercession is asking on behalf of another, following Jesus’ own prayer for us. Lament 10 min Biblical lament tells God the truth about pain while continuing to address him. Practicing the Presence of God 2 min Brother Lawrence learned to turn ordinary work into frequent, loving attention to God.
