Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 506 – Part I.

YOUCAT Question n. 506 - Part I. Is prayer not just a sort of conversation with yourself?

(Youcat answer) The distinctive feature about prayer is precisely the fact that one goes from Me to You, from self-centeredness to radical openness. Someone who is really praying can experience the fact that God speaks—and that often he does not speak as we expect and would like.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2742) "Pray constantly… always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father" (1 Thess 5:17; Eph 5:20). St. Paul adds, "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints" (Eph 6:18). For "we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing" (Evagrius Ponticus, Pract. 49: PG 40, 1245C). This tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer. 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Those who are experienced in prayer report that a person very often comes out of a prayer session different from the way he went in. Sometimes expectations are met: you are sad and find consolation; you lack confidence and receive new strength. It can also happen, though, that you would like to forget pressures but are made even more uneasy; that you would like to be left in peace and instead receive an assignment. A real encounter with God - the kind that occurs again and again in prayer - can shatter our preconceptions about both God and prayer.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2743) It is always possible to pray: the time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise (Cf. Mt 28:20; Lk 8:24). Our time is in the hands of God: It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone, or seated in your shop,… while buying or selling,… or even while cooking (St. John Chrysostom, Ecloga de oratione 2: PG 63, 585).

(This question: Is prayer not just a sort of conversation with yourself? is continued)