The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic

First Way of Prayer

Inclinations:  humbly bowing towards the altar as if Christ were personally present, not just symbolically.. (Ecclesiasticus 35:21) (Judith 9:16) (Matthew 15:22-28) (Luke 15:18-24) (Matthew 8:8) (Ecclesiasticus 7:19) (Psalms 118)

Second Way of Prayer 

Prostrations:  throwing oneself on the ground; stretched out with face on the ground in adoration and submission. (Luke 18:13)  (2 Samuel 24:17)  (Psalm 43:25)  (Psalms 118:25)

Third Way of Prayer

Penance: devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin. (Psalms 17:36).

Fourth Way of Prayer

Genuflections: showing great respect by kneeling. (Mark 1:40) (Acts 7:59) (Psalms 27:1) (1 Samuel 1:13) (Ecclesiasticus 26:15)

Fifth Way of Prayer

Contemplation: a state of mystical awareness of God's being or meditation on Spiritual things. (Psalm 105:30) (Isaiah 12:3) (Psalms 122:2)

Sixth Way of Prayer

Earnest Intercession: prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another.. (1 Kings 17:21) (Psalm 87:10) (Psalm 142:6-7)

Seventh Way of Prayer

Supplication: earnestly and humbly implore help. (Isaiah 49:2) (Matthew 5:3-10) (2 Corinthians 12:2) (Isaiah 64:6)(Psalms 27:2) (Psalm 133:2) (Psalm 140:2)

Eighth Way of Prayer

Thoughtful Reading: meditative reading with the spirit of devotion. (Psalms 84:9)

Ninth Way of Prayer

Praying on a Journey: guidance (Hosea 2:14) (Psalms 38:4)

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