CCC 2585
From the time of David to the
From the time of David to the coming of the Messiah texts appearing in these sacred books show a deepening in prayer for oneself and in prayer for others. [Ezra 9:6-15; Neh 1:4-11; Jon 2:3-10; Tob 3:11-16; Jdt 9:2-14.] Thus the psalms were gradually collected into the five books of the Psalter (or "Praises"), the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament.
CCC 2759
Jesus "was praying at a
Jesus "was praying at a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.'" [Lk 11:1.] In response to this request the Lord entrusts to his disciples and to his Church the fundamental Christian prayer. St. Luke presents a brief text of five petitions, [Cf. Lk 11:2-4.] while St. Matthew gives a more developed version of seven petitions. [Cf. Mt 6:9-13.] The liturgical tradition of the Church has retained St. Matthew's text: