564-569. The saints guides for prayer. Educate us in prayer. Place & times are more suitable for prayer. The expressions of the life of prayer. The Vocal.

564. How are the saints guides for prayer?

The saints are our models of prayer. We also ask them to intercede before the Holy Trinity for us and for the whole world. Their intercession is their most exalted service to God's plan. In the communion of saints, throughout the history of the Church, there have developed different types of spiritualities that teach us how to live and to practice the way of prayer.

Further reading: CCC 2683-2684, 2692-2693

565. Who can educate us in prayer?

The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Daily family prayer is particularly recommended because it is the first witness to the life of prayer in the Church. Catechesis, prayer groups, and "spiritual direction" constitute a school of and a help to prayer.

Further reading: CCC 2685-2690, 2694-2695

566. What places are conducive to prayer?

One can pray anywhere but the choice of an appropriate place is not a matter of indifference when it comes to prayer. The church is the proper place for liturgical prayer and Eucharistic adoration. Other places also help one to pray, such as a "prayer corner" at home, a monastery or a shrine.

Further reading: CCC 2691, 2696

567. What times are more suitable for prayer?

Any time is suitable for prayer but the Church proposes to the faithful certain rhythms of praying intended to nourish continual prayer: morning and evening prayer, prayer before and after meals, the Liturgy of the Hours, Sunday Eucharist, the Rosary, and feasts of the liturgical year.

"We must remember God more often than we draw breath." 

(Saint Gregory of Nazianzus)

Further reading: CCC 2697-2698, 2720

568. What are the expressions of the life of prayer?

Christian tradition has preserved three forms for expressing and living prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. The feature common to all of them is the recollection of the heart.

Further reading: CCC 2697-2699

569. How can vocal prayer be described?

Vocal prayer associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart. Even the most interior prayer, however, cannot dispense with vocal prayer. In any case it must always spring from a personal faith. With the Our FatherJesus has taught us a perfect form of vocal prayer.

Further reading: CCC 2700-2704, 2722