But the divine service of the word, the prayer of petition, is quite another thing.

A prayer of petition is a request to God that asks him to fulfill a need.

Objections to praying for the dead might, with equal logic, be raised against all prayers of petition.

Intercession is a prayer of petition which leads us to pray as Jesus did.

How do we manifest that prayer of petition?

By prayer of petition, Catholics acknowledge their dependence on God.

In the New Testament, prayers of petition and intercession occur frequently.

After prayer, specifically prayer of petition and thanksgiving, St.

As the weekly prayers of petition or intercession are offered, include the congregation as active participants.

Moreover the objections raised against praying for the dead are just as easily raised against all prayer of petition.

Prayers of petition (for oneself) should not be conflated with prayers of intercession (for others, in sorrow, need or sickness).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that asking forgiveness, coupled with trusting humility, should be the first movement of a prayer of petition.

In his homily, Bishop Povish commented: ""In our priestly gatherings, when we would concelebrate Mass together, at the prayers of petition Fr.

Further, prayers of petition (for ourselves or for those so close to us that their sorrows and needs afflict us as well) should not be confused with letters to Santa Claus.

It is also important to remember that the prayer of petition is only one aspect of our prayer life; it is much more important to praise, to thank and to seek forgiveness.

At closing liturgy of the Caritas Australia's Just Leadership Conference on 26 July at Merici College, the students offered heartfelt prayers of petition for social justice which reflected their sensitivity and faith.

The tradition of the Roman Catholic Church highlights four basic elements of prayer:Prayer of Blessing and Adoration, Prayer of Petition, Prayer of Intercession, and Prayer of Thanksgiving.

The prayer of petition is at its heart an Act of Faith in that the one praying must believe first, in the existence of God; and second, that God is both willing and able to grant the petition.

If the prayer of petition is made correctly, it says "God, you are everything: Creator, Sustainer, Divinizer, Forgiver, Merciful Lord of the Universe, Provident God of all, and I belong completely to You."

From the earliest ages of the catholic church a Christian people, whether in time of triumph or more especially in time of crisis, has addressed prayers of petition and hymns of praise and veneration to the Queen of Heaven.