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Do you remember who first taught you to pray?

How did they go about it? Did they hold their folded hands over yours? Did they slowly and deliberately say the words of one of the treasures from our tradition -- the "Hail Mary," "Our Father" or "Prayer to the Guardian Angel," for example -- or did they invite you to offer spontaneous words of praise, thanksgiving or supplication?

How did you learn to pray?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has designated Sept. 18 as Catechetical Sunday, an opportunity to explore and celebrate the ministry of catechesis in our Church. The theme is "Prayer: The Faith Prayed."

According to the Vatican-issued General Directory for Catechesis, the fundamental task of catechesis is to help people "know, celebrate and contemplate the mystery of Christ." One way of accomplishing this is through prayer and teaching people how to pray.

In our era of ever-shifting social environments, how does one pray? How does one teach others to pray? I think the answer is, "wherever and however the opportunity presents itself."

•  If someone sends me an email describing a family crisis, do I promise, "I'll pray for you," or do I respond, "May the loving God enfold you and your worry in His arms?"

•  If I experience a moment of extraordinary beauty, do I say, "That's nice," or do I give thanks to God for the gift, draw it to another's attention and possibly even photograph and post it online?

•  If a child tells me that a family member is ill or that a beloved pet has died, do I say, 'I'm sorry; I'll pray for you," or do I suggest, "That is very sad; let's pray about this together?"

•  If I am out to eat in a public place, do I discreetly make the Sign of the Cross and offer a silent blessing, or do I invite the people at table with me to offer thanks to God for the food, our servers, the people who prepared it and care for those who go without?

•  When I attend Mass, am I just "showing up," or do I allow the hymns, words of the prayers and Scriptures and ritual actions (especially the eucharistic prayer) permeate my mind and heart, so that I, too, become the body and blood of Christ, going forth in service to the world?

This Sunday's second reading from the First Letter of Timothy begins: "Beloved, first of all I ask that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings should be made for everyone" (1 Tm 2:1). "Prayer: The Faith Prayed" reminds us that no one should be excluded from our prayer, and that a prayer-filled life not only draws us closer to the Lord, but also bears witness to the power of prayer, encouraging those around us to pray, wherever we are and whoever they may be.

May all catechists be blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and may their efforts be blessed with abundant fruit.

(Editor's note: Ms. Simcoe is chancellor for the Albany Diocese, director of the diocesan Office of Catholic Faith Formation and Education, and parish life director for St. Vincent de Paul parish in Albany. She has also been director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship.)[[In-content Ad]]

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