Summarised

• Christian Denominations


  • Catholicism
  • Protestantism
  • Orthodoxy
• Catholicism


  • Origins trace back to the first disciples of Jesus
  • Beliefs include the importance of Church Tradition alongside Scripture
  • Sacred Place: Churches and Cathedrals; Vatican as the spiritual and administrative center
  • Rituals: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, Holy Orders
  • Key Figures: Pope Francis, Bishops overseeing Dioceses
• Protestantism


  • Originated from the 16th-century Reformation
  • Emphasizes Bible-based preaching and individual interpretation of Scripture
  • Sacred Place varies among denominations; no universally designated sacred place
  • Rituals: Baptism, Eucharist; Worship styles vary widely
  • Key Figures: Martin Luther, John Calvin, John and Charles Wesley, William Booth, Society of Friends (Quakers)
• Orthodoxy


  • Traces origins to the early Christian Church
  • Distinct Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches
  • Sacred Place: Ornate churches; Divine Liturgy central to faith
  • Rituals: Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist, Ordination, Marriage, Confession, Holy Unction
  • Key Doctrines: Trinity, Apostolic succession, Nicene Creed, teachings of Ecumenical Councils
• Types of Personal Prayer

  • Personal Prayer
  • Liturgical Prayer
  • Communal Prayer
• Forms of Prayer


  • Blessing and Adoration
  • Petition
  • Intercession
  • Thanksgiving
  • Praise
• Jesus as a Model for Personal Prayer

  • Baptism as a moment of prayer in Jesus' life
  • Seeking Solitude for prayer
  • Early Morning Prayer as a practice of Jesus
• Prayer Practices Across Denominations

  • Catholic
  • Protestant
  • Orthodox
• Pope Francis emphasizes prayer in all situations for oneself and others
• Seeking Solitude


  Jesus often withdrew to lonely places for prayer (Luke 5:16)
• Early Morning Prayer


  Jesus prayed very early in the morning, before dawn (Mark 1:35)
• Catholic Prayer Practices


  • Rosary
  • Liturgical prayers
  • Confession
  • Intercession
• Protestant Prayer Practices


  • Bible reading
  • Spontaneous prayers
• Orthodox Prayer Practices


  Jesus Prayer ('Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner')
• Types of Personal Prayer

  • Adoration and Blessing
  • Intercession and Petition
  • Thanksgiving
  • Praise
• Vocal Prayer


  Involves using personal or formal words for humility and reverence
• Meditative Prayer


  Utilizes Scripture or sacred songs for reflection
• Contemplative Prayer


  Silent communion with God for spiritual connection
• Vocal Intercession and Petition


  Specific requests made aloud
• Silent Intercession and Petition


  Private or general petitions
• Devotional Intercession and Petition

  Includes prayers like novenas, rosaries, and prayers to saints
• Vocal Thanksgiving


  Expressing gratitude through spoken or silent prayers
• Formal or Spontaneous Thanksgiving


  Structured or improvised thanksgiving
• Praise


  Acknowledging God's greatness using personal or formal expressions
• The Angelus


  A communal prayer reflecting on the Incarnation
• The Glory Be


  A prayer of eternal praise affirming belief in the Trinity
• Prayer Ropes


  Using knots on a rope to aid in prayer, commonly for the Jesus Prayer
• Icons


  Focusing on holy presence by praying in front of sacred images
• Saint John of Kronstadt: 'The Jesus Prayer has a protective power when invoked with faith'
• The Jesus Prayer


  Based on Luke 18:13, emphasizing repentance and seeking God's mercy
• The Theotokos Prayer


  Acknowledges Mary as Theotokos, emphasizing her divine role in bearing Jesus
• Saint Gregory Nazianzus: 'Recognizing Mary as the Mother of God is important'
• Evangelical Protestantism Prayer Practices

  • Emphasizes thanksgiving, intercession, and liturgical forms of prayer
  • Involves daily devotion, Bible reading, meditation, and incorporation of scripture in worship
• Orthodox Prayer Practices


  • Rooted in liturgical traditions and early Church practices
  • Focuses on mystical, contemplative aspects of faith and physical expressions of prayer
• Theotokos Prayer and Intercession

  • Orthodox tradition involves asking Mary and saints to intercede with Jesus, not praying directly to them
  • The prayer requests Mary to intercede with Jesus, emphasizing trust in her role as an intercessor
  • Reflects on Mary's unique relationship with Jesus and her significance in salvation history
• Litany of Intercession


  • Involves structured prayers for God's intervention on behalf of others
  • Encourages compassion, empathy, and a sense of community among believers
  • Connects individuals to a broader faith community, fostering solidarity and shared faith
• Quiet Time


  Entails daily devotion through Bible reading, meditation, and prayer
• Journaling


  Involves writing prayers and reflections on scripture, enhancing personal devotion
• Characteristics of Personal Devotion

  • Encourages a deeper, personal relationship with God
  • Emphasizes the authority of Scripture and individual expression in prayer
  • Promotes small group participation for prayer support and fellowship
• Litany of Intercession


  • Focuses on making requests to God for others' needs
  • Seeks divine intervention in various aspects of life like healing, guidance, and protection
  • Emphasizes love, compassion, and addressing both spiritual and physical needs