Page:Completecatechis00deharich.djvu/327

 Application. In the choice of a state of life consult above all things, God and the salvation of your soul. Should you, after a mature deliberation, think that you to be called to the married state, prepare yourself for it by prayer, good works, and especially by a good General Confession, and be careful not to follow those who, by sin and vice draw the curse of God upon their heads.

'''1. What is Prayer? '''

Prayer is the raising up of our minds and hearts to God, either to praise Him, or to thank Him, or to beg His grace; and therefore it is divided into Prayer of Praise, Prayer of Thanksgiving, and Prayer of Petition.

'''2. What does 'to praise God' mean? '''

To praise God means to rejoice at His infinite Perfections, and to glorify and adore Him on that account (Ps. ix. 3).

'''3. Are we bound to praise God? '''

Yes, we are; for this we were created, and this will one day be our eternal occupation in Heaven (Apoc. iv.).

'''4. Must we also 'thank' God for His gifts? '''

Yes; for ingratitude is a detestable vice, whereas gratitude is the best means to obtain new benefits.