Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 492 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 492 - Part I. Does my personal prayer have something to do with the prayer of the Church?

(Youcat answer) In the Church’s public worship, in her Liturgy of the Hours and in Holy Mass, common prayers are recited that come from Sacred Scripture or from the Tradition of the Church. They unite the individual with the praying community of the Church.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2655) In the sacramental liturgy of the Church, the mission of Christ and of the Holy Spirit proclaims, makes present, and communicates the mystery of salvation, which is continued in the heart that prays. The spiritual writers sometimes compare the heart to an altar. Prayer internalizes and assimilates the liturgy during and after its celebration. Even when it is lived out "in secret" (Cf. Mt 6:6]), prayer is always prayer of the Church; it is a communion with the Holy Trinity (GILH 9).     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Christian prayer is not a private matter, but it is very personal. Personal prayer becomes purified, expands, and is strengthened when it regularly flows into the prayer of the whole Church. It is a great and beautiful sign when believers throughout the earth are united at the same time in the same prayers and thereby sing one hymn of praise to God.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2662) The Word of God, the liturgy of the Church, and the virtues of faith, hope, and charity are sources of prayer.

(This question: Does my personal prayer have something to do with the prayer of the Church? is continued)