Descriptions of Christian prayer are abundant. While we can learn much from what St. Augustine, St. Teresa and others have shared, it is direct experience that makes the difference. Knowing about prayer is not the same as praying.

Our Catholic Catechism for Adults defines prayer as a "vital and personal relationship with the living and true God" (CCC, no. 2558). As Catholics, we understand prayer through our celebration of the Sacraments and in the Liturgy of the Hours. The word liturgy comes from a Greek term meaning "public work or work done on behalf of the people."

As worshipers we participate actively in liturgy, for this is holy "work," not entertainment or a spectator event. Every liturgical celebration is an action of Christ the High Priest and of his Mystical Body, the Church. It requires the participation of the People of God in the work of God.

We praise the Father who first called us to be his people by sending us his Son as our Redeemer and giving us the Holy Spirit so that we can continue to gather, to remember what God has done for us, and to share in the blessings of salvation.

From the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults