Concept in Definition ABC

In most religions the faithful perform songs, prayers or prayers in which God is praised or a feeling of gratitude is expressed. In this sense, prayers are an element of the tradition oral that is part of the Catholicism. These are sung prayers or very short phrases that were pronounced during mass.

Throughout history the language used for these prayers has been Latin, since the Catholic Church has used this language during Mass until Vatican Council II in the 20th century.

As for the word preces, it comes from Latin and is the plural form of prex, which means prayer or supplication.

The remote origin of these prayers or phrases must be placed in the context of early Christianity, since the first Christians met to recite prayers addressed to God.

The first references to the prayers are found in the Iberian peninsula in the Vl century of our era, but it must be noted that the data on them are scarce, since they are part of the tradition oral. At that time, the Iberian Peninsula was ruled by the Visigoth kings, who descended from the Germanic peoples and who gradually converted to Christianity. In that historical context, the prayers were part of the liturgy that was celebrated by the faithful at Sunday mass.

Among the members of Opus Dei

Prayers are a fundamental element among members of Opus Dei, who consider that these words, sentences and phrases serve to consolidate your faith.

Although the preces of the Hispanic liturgy of the Middle Ages they have disappeared as part of the traditional mass, the members of Opus Dei have elaborated new prayers. Some examples are the following: with the word "serviam" the desire to serve God is expressed and when saying "Iesum Christium Regem" they allude to Christ as King. Other words refer to the Unit of the apostles and God is also invoked with the desire to be heard. At the end of the mass it is usual that the peace for all and forever (pax, in aeternum).

In Judaism, Islam and Buddhism phrases that have a similar function to preces are also used.

Each religion it has its own singular chants or phrases that are pronounced during religious acts. In Jewish synagogues a prayer called kaddish is recited and with it requests for forgiveness or selichot are made. On the other hand, religious Jews recite the Amidah standing up, a prayer with three parts (one of praise, another of petition and a last of gratitude).

In the mosques of Islam the faithful have their own prayers and prayers, which are known by the term "azala". However, prayers can be performed anywhere, as the entire Earth is a sacred place.

The mantras of Buddhism are words that are spoken in religious ceremonies and recited to illuminate the mind or as a formula to worship some divinity (for example, the Hare Krishna mantra is dedicated to the god Krishna).

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