While receiving in audience members of the chapter of St. Peter's Basilica, the group entrusted with the care of the ancient church, the Pope said , ""Prayer is a service to the Lord, who deserves to be praised and adored, and at the same time it is a witness to others. And where God is praised and adored with faithfulness, blessing is not lacking."
"In this holy place, where thousands of pilgrims and tourists come everyday from all over the world, more than elsewhere it is necessary that there be a stable community of prayer that guarantees continuity with tradition and at the same time intercedes for the intentions of the pope in the Church and world today."
The Pope entrusted to the chapter a special mission: "to recall, with your prayerful presence, that nothing comes before God; that the Church is always oriented toward Him, to his glory"
2007-10-10 11:19:42 · 14 answers · asked by Sldgman 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
CJ is right. By asking us to pray, the pope is clearly teaching a false gospel. Where in the bible does it tell us to pray? Have you even read the bible? Obviously these are the words of the devil. Pretty soon the pope is going to start asking us to worship God and praise Jesus, which is also clearly not in the bible.
Also, as CJ astutely pointed out, trying to be a good person will obviously lead to eternal hell. Is CJ the only one with any common sense here?
(note sarcasm)
2007-10-11 02:01:29 · answer #1 · answered by Thom 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with our Holy Father 100 percent. All prayers are heard and answered, but there is far more power in communal prayer. Pope Benedict recognizes this, and as a good shepard leading his flock, is doing his part to spread the word. To many of us who already preservere in prayer with each other, this isn't exactly new news, but many people out there may not know about the power of communal prayer. As most of the other Christians here have noted, Scripture says that "wherever two or three are gathered in My name, there I will be in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20)
Thom1274:
Glad you noted the sarcasm. Otherwise many of us here might have taken it seriously as another post from an ignorant anti-Catholic nut posing as a Christian.
2007-10-11 02:30:08 · answer #2 · answered by the phantom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree.
Prayer is the elevation of the mind and heart to God:
+ In praise of his glory
+ In petition for some desired good
+ In thanksgiving for a good received
+ In intercession for others before God
Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church.
"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)
"Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." (St. John Damascene)
But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a humble and contrite heart? (Psalm 130:1)
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, part four: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt4sect1.htm
With love in Christ.
2007-10-10 17:38:55 · answer #3 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
What a great initiative of the holy father. I agree, we should pray, together if possible. Let us also remember the words of St Benedict: "ora et labora" (pray and work).
Matt 16:18; "You are Peter, the rock, and upon this rock I will build my church" (Jesus to Simon Peter)
2007-10-10 12:15:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
To answer CJ here the word "pope" just means Papa. And yes it is in the bible, not, in Italian unless you have an Italian Bible. Also, the first pope was Peter, Our papa. and Jesus gave him authority of binding and loosing on this earth.
Yes, we should gather together to worship and bless God with all those who worship in Spirit and Truth.
2007-10-10 11:48:17 · answer #5 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
I agree 100%.
We should gather to pray for CJ. A rosary perhaps. Poor boy.
2007-10-10 11:49:41 · answer #6 · answered by SpiritRoaming 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
I agree with him. Jesus did say that where two or three gather in my name, their I am in their midst.
2007-10-10 23:26:01 · answer #7 · answered by momo5j7 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree 100%.
Pray without ceasing-1 Thessalonians 5:17.
And to the Dickn200 above: WTF do you think we believe? Abusers of all kinds will be judged harshly by God.
2007-10-10 12:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
i think it would be a better idea to gather with others to make this world better..
u can pray all u want - but u won't grow any crops unless u plant the seeds urself..
.. that being said - i see no harm in praying
2007-10-10 11:27:15 · answer #9 · answered by Luken 5 · 3⤊ 5⤋
"Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there will I be also."
This is what Christ tells us to do. It has nothing to do with the pope, although I'm sure the catholics will say it was his idea.
2007-10-10 11:33:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 7⤋