“In these days [Jesus] went out into the hills to pray; and all night he continued in prayer to God. He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’” (Luke 6:12; 11:1).

Jesus is our Master in prayer. He not only teaches us how to pray, he is himself the way of Christian prayer since our prayers have access to God the Father “only if we pray ‘in the name’ of Jesus” (CCC 2664).

Prayer is itself an infinite and boundless mystery that wells up from the heart in our desire for God—a desire God himself has placed there out of love. St. Thérèse de Lisieux described it this way: “For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.”

Prayer is of vital importance because it brings us into a saving relationship with the One whom our heart desires. As faith in Christ is required for salvation, so too is prayer since it brings us into contact with God.

But what does it mean to pray as a Christian in the heart of the Church? In this section of the program titled “Christian Prayer,” we explore the depths of prayer, including what prayer is, what it means to pray, and how we ought to pray as Christians.

In this series of lessons, you’ll learn about the fourth pillar of the faith as it’s presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here are some of the topics covered:

  • Prayer in the Old Testament
  • The prayer of Jesus and what Jesus teaches us about prayer
  • Prayer in the Church and praying in communion with the Virgin Mary
  • Expressions of prayer
  • Lectio Divina and the Liturgy of the Hours
  • The battle of prayer
  • Praying for deliverance from evil spirits
  • Stages in the life of prayer according to the Catholic tradition
  • Praying the Lord’s prayer and the meaning of its seven petitions


From all of us at Catholic Online School: May Christ bless you on your journey of faith.


“Christian Prayer" is broken up into different chapters. 

In this course, students will work through Chapter 2.

Students will cover - 

  • Course 4 - The Way of Prayer 
  • Course 5 - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition
  • Course 6 - The Lord's Prayer


Earning a certificate of completion in this online course is not a substitute for completing a parish-based RCIA program. The Sacraments of Initiation can only be conferred by a bishop or priest. This certificate means you have successfully completed a course of study that is intended to supplement your parish RCIA program.

Course curriculum

  • 01

    Introduction to RCIA - For Adults - Christian Prayer - Chapter 2 with 'Certificate of Completion'

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'
  • 02

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 4 - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • INTRODUCTION - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • VIDEO - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • QUIZ - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 1 - Guides for Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 03

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 4 - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • INTRODUCTION - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • VIDEO - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Course Title - Lesson # - Lesson Title

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • QUIZ - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 2 - Lesson 2 - Expressions of Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 04

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 4 - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • INTRODUCTION - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • VIDEO - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • QUIZ - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 3 - Lectio Divina

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 05

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 4 - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • INTRODUCTION - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • VIDEO - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • QUIZ - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Pray er

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Battle of Prayer

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 06

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 4 - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • INTRODUCTION - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • VIDEO - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • QUIZ - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 5 - The Daily Examen

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 07

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 4 - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • INTRODUCTION - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • VIDEO - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • QUIZ - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Way of Prayer - Lesson 6 - Deliverance from Evil Spirits

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 08

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 5 - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • INTRODUCTION - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • OPENING PRAYER - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • VIDEO - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • QUIZ - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 1 - The Way of Purgation and the Way of Illumination

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 09

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 5 - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • INTRODUCTION - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • OPENING PRAYER - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • SCRIPTURE READING - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • VIDEO - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • CLOSING PRAYER - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • QUIZ - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - Spirituality in the Catholic Tradition - Lesson 2 - The Way of the Perfect: The Unitive Way

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 10

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 6 - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • INTRODUCTION - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • VIDEO - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • QUIZ - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 1 - Our Father Who Art in Heaven

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 11

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 6 - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • INTRODUCTION - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • VIDEO - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • QUIZ - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 2 - The Seven Petitions Part I

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 12

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 6 - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • INTRODUCTION - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • VIDEO - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • QUIZ - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 3 - The Seven Petitions Part II

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers
  • 13

    RCIA - Christian Prayer - Course 6 - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • INTRODUCTION - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • OPENING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • SCRIPTURE READING - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • VIDEO - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • CLOSING PRAYER - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • CATECHISM TEXT, RESOURCES, AND GLOSSARY - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • QUIZ - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS - The Lord's Prayer - Lesson 4 - The Seven Petitions Part III

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

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Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Deacon Frederick Bartels is a member of the Catholic clergy who serves the Church in the diocese of Pueblo, CO. He received an MA in Theology and Educational Ministry from Catholic Distance University, where he is currently employed as an adjunct professor of theology. He is founder and editor of Joy In Truth (joyintruth.com), an online magazine dedicated to the New Evangelization. As a Catholic educator, public speaker and evangelist, Deacon Bartels strives to infuse culture with the saving principles of the gospel. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Shelly, and the youngest two of their six children. Professor Bartels is Chairman of the Theology Department.

Deacon Frederick Bartels

Professor of Theology, Department Chair