All spirituality is based on truths that are revealed by God. Knowing and understanding these truths allows
us to enter a relationship with him. The five “theological presuppositions” explored in this session are vital in
understanding prayer:
1. God desires a personal relationship with us and actively pursues us.
2. Our prayer is always a response to God.
3. The spiritual life is a work of continual conversion and turning away from sin.
4. Discipleship is submitting our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ and seeking to do his will
in our lives.
5. Any personal experiences in prayer are always governed by the objective spiritual authority of
the Church’s living Tradition through the Magisterium.

On this foundation we can then build four dispositions necessary for prayer:
1. We must believe God wants a relationship with us.
2. We must have a clear conscience.
3. We must seek total surrender to God’s will.
4. We must desire holiness.

These truths pave the way for deeper intimacy with God as we grow in our understanding of prayer and the
disposition necessary for a divine encounter.