Catechism of the Catholic Church

Christian Prayer 645 A rticle 3 GUIDES FOR PRAYER A cloud of witnesses 2683 The witnesses who have preceded us into the kingdom, 41 especially those whom the Church recognizes as saints, share in the living tradition of prayer by the example of their lives, the transmission of their writings, and their prayer today. They con­ template God, praise him and constantly care for those whom they have left on earth. When they entered into the joy of their Master, they were “put in charge of many things.” 42 Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask them to intercede for us and for the whole world. 2684 In the communion of saints, many and varied spiritualities have been developed throughout the history of the churches. The personal charism of some witnesses to God’s love for men has been handed on, like “the spirit” of Elijah to Elisha and John the Baptist, so that their followers may have a share in this spirit. 43 A distinct spirituality can also arise at the point of convergence of liturgical and theological currents, bearing witness to the integration of the faith into a particular human environment and its history. The different schools of Christian spirituality share in the living tradi­ tion of prayer and are essential guides for the faithful. In their rich diversity they are refractions of the one pure light of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is truly the dwelling of the saints and the saints are for the Spirit a place where he dwells as in his own home, since they offer themselves as a dwelling place for God and are called his temple. 44 Servants of prayer 2685 The Christian family is the first place of education in prayer. Based on the sacrament of marriage, the family is the “do­ mestic church” where God’s children learn to pray “as the Church” and to persevere in prayer. For young children in partic­ ular, daily family prayer is the first witness of the Church’s living memory as awakened patiently by the Holy Spirit. 41 Cf. Heb 12:1. 42 Cf. Mt 25:21. 43 Cf. 2 Kings 2:9; Lk 1:1; PC 2. 44 St. Basil, De Spiritu Sancto, 26, 62: PG 32, 184. 956 917 919 1202 1657