What is Prayer?

Catholics believe prayer is an act of communicating with God. It is "the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." God Is the source and inspiration of all prayer, lifting our minds and hearts to Him. God is always present and active, even when we aren’t conscious of His presence. Because prayer is a communal relationship between ourselves and God, it is not all our own work. God forever seeks to communicate with us.

WHY PRAYER IS IMPORTANT

• Prayer can help us grow closer to God.

God loves every single one of us and desires to communicate with us. God wants to hear from you no matter what you’re going through. God listens.

• Prayer can help us understand God’s loving nature

The scriptures teach, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Prayer helps you feel God’s love and bring feelings of peace and joy into your heart.

• Prayer can provide answers

Praying and listening to God may not give you the answers you asked for, but God knows you better than you know yourself. You may experience answers and understanding in the form of thoughts, spiritual feelings, scripture, or even the actions of other people. Prayer can help you better understand your purpose in life.

• Prayer can helps us find direction and peace

Praying to God can help you work through serious decisions/problems in your life. God always listens and even when we aren’t answered immediately or in the way we might have hoped, prayer itself is a way to find peace.

• Prayer can give strength to avoid temptation

Through prayer, we can overcome temptations to sin. Pray for God’s help to keep from making wrong choices. This will give you the strength to do what is right.

• Prayer can align our will with God’s will

The purpose of prayer is not necessarily to tell God how you want Him to do things. Rather, it’s to better understand Him and His ways, bringing yourself into alignment with His will. As C.S. Lewis said, “Prayer doesn’t change God. It changes me.”

• Prayer can work miracles

Throughout the scriptures, there are many examples of God working miracles as an answer to prayer. Catholics believe that through daily prayer, you can experience personal miracles such as healing, peace, and forgiveness for sins.

WHY OUR CHILDREN NEED TO PRAY

By showing our students how to pray, we show them a way to make life more meaningful and full of promise. We take them to a friend who gladly shares their joys, and cares when they are distressed. We help them realise that there is someone beyond us all who is all-powerful, all-wise, all-just, and all-good, someone who makes sense of the universe; and someone who will ALWAYS love them and be there for them NO MATTER WHAT.

Class Prayer Celebrations

Over the past couple of weeks, our Year 1 and 2 classes have prepared and participated in class prayer services to celebration their faith and learning in Religious Education lessons. It has been lovely to see so many parents and friends join us for these.

Kindergarten will be having their class prayer celebration tomorrow at 2.30pm. 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD by supporting our Mini Vinnies WINTER APPEAL

Donation of the following items would be greatly appreciated:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens
• Warm coats and scarves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets/doonas

We could all make a difference in our world with these goals! Let us all answer Jesus’ call to carry on His mission of love…

(please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)