Introduction
by the Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
Since mankind has existed, people have prayed. Always
and everywhere people have been aware that they are not alone in the world,
that there is somebody who listens to them. They have always been aware
that they need Another who is greater and that they must reach out to Him
for life to be what it must be. But the face of God has always been veiled
and only Jesus has shown us His true face. Who sees Him sees the Father
(cf. John 14, 9). So,
if on the one hand it is natural for people to pray (to ask in the moment
of need and thank in the moment of joy), there is always, on the other
hand, also our incapacity to pray and speak to a hidden God. We do not know
what best to ask, says Saint Paul (Rm 8, 26). Therefore we should always say to the Lord, like the
disciples: “Lord, teach us how to pray” (Luke 11, 1). The Lord taught the Our Father as model of genuine
prayer and has given us a Mother, the Church, that helps us to pray. The
Church has received a great wealth of prayers from Holy Writ. Over the
centuries numerous prayers have arisen, from the hearts of believers, with
which they always renew their address to God. In praying with Mother Church
we ourselves learn to pray. I am therefore very glad that 30Giorni should make a new
edition of this little book containing the fundamental prayers of
Christians that have grown over the centuries. They accompany us through
all the events of our lives and help us to celebrate the liturgy of the
Church in prayer. I hope this little book may become a traveling companion
for many Christians.
Rome, 18 February 2005
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
(elected Pope on 19 April 2005 with the name Benedict XVI)
Rome, 18 February 2005
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
(elected Pope on 19 April 2005 with the name Benedict XVI)