Monday, October 19, 2020

How is prayer revealed in the Old Testament?

 The prayer Abraham and Jacob is presented as a battle of faith marked by trust in God's faithfulness and by certitude in the victory promised to perseverance. The prayer of Moses responds to the living God's initiative for the salvation of his people. It foreshadows the prayer of intercession of the unique mediator,  Jesus Christ. The prayer of the People of God flourished in the shadow of the dwelling place of God' presence on earth, the ark of the covenant and the temple, under the guidance of their shepherds, especially King David, and the prophets. The prophets summoned the people to conversion of heart and, while zealously seeking the face of God, like Elijah, they interceded for the people. The Psalms constitute the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament, They present two inseparable qualities: the personal and the communal. They extend to all dimensions of history, recalling God's promises already fulfilled and looking for the coming of the Messiah. Prayed and fulfilled in Christ, the Psalms are an essential and permanent element of the prayer of the Church. They are suitable for men of every condition and time. [ See CCC 2592-2597]

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