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When should I pray?

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What is prayer?

Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God to adore Him, to thank Him for His benefits, to ask His forgiveness, and to beg of Him all the graces we need whether for soul or body.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 276, question 304.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

The words are transcribed from the approved edition; line wrapping is normalized. This is a concise historical catechism answer, not a complete treatment of every related question. Original English, including older terms, is retained.

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At what particular times should we pray?

We should pray particularly on Sundays and holy-days, every morning and night, in all dangers, temptations, and afflictions.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 278, question 306.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

How should we pray?

We should pray: first, with attention; second, with a sense of our own helplessness and dependence upon God; third, with a great desire for the graces we beg of God; fourth, with trust in God's goodness; fifth, with perseverance.

Kinkead’s explanation of the Baltimore Catechism · approved historical edition.

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Read the original page here

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Thomas L. Kinkead; sixth edition; Benziger Brothers, copyright 1891. Printed page 278–279, question 307.

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York; nihil obstat D. J. McMahon; 1891-09-05.

Read the original page and surrounding explanation here · See the printed imprimatur

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Tips for Praying

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz

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A brief starting point for building a faithful habit of personal prayer.

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Watch · beginner

Fr. Mike’s Tips for Praying as a Busy Person

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz

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Practical encouragement for prayer amid work, family and a crowded day.

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How Do You Pray with the Bible?

Ascension Presents · Fr. Mike Schmitz

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An introduction to turning attentive Scripture reading into prayer.

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