What is prayer? Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God - a surge of the heart - a look toward Heaven - a cry of recognition and love - both in trial and in joy. Prayer is the response of faith in God - the response of trust and love for God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of our prayers is to respond to the love God shows for us. Prayers are "ACTS" of our mind and heart; this acronym reminds us what our prayers should include.

A - Adoration and praise of the God who made us and provides for us.
C - Contrition and sorrow for our failure to love God and our neighbor as we should.
T - Thanksgiving for God’s goodness and all His gifts.
S - Supplication to God to help in all our needs, the needs of those we love, and the needs of our neighbors.