Day 341: The Theological Virtues

One enters into prayer as one enters into liturgy: by the narrow gate of faith. Through the signs of his presence, it is the Face of the Lord that we seek and desire; it is his Word that we want to hear and keep. CCC 2656

In today's reading, the Catechism discusses the Three Theological Virtues, mostly focusing on hope, in prayer. The Three Theological Virtues are faith, hope, and charity (love). The Holy Spirit teaches us to pray in hope, which the Church and our personal prayer nourish (CCC 2657). Hope doesn't disappoint us as love is the source of prayer, "poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Rom 5:5; CCC 2658). 

The Catechism Compendium summarizes the sources of Christian prayer:

They are: the Word of God, which gives us “the surpassing knowledge” of Christ (Phil 3:8); the Liturgy of the Church that proclaims, makes present, and communicates the mystery of salvation; the theological virtues; and everyday situations because in them we can encounter God.

"I love you, Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love you eternally... My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I draw breath." (The Curé of Ars, St. John Mary Vianney) (#558)

The Catechism Companion Vol III has some good commentary on this:

Participating in the liturgy becomes prayer if we encounter it through faith. In order to participate fully in the Mass, we have to surrender in trust and obedience to God... Our hope and trust are in God's love for us. Even though we fail to return that love as we ought. God's love never fails... Learning about prayer is not enough. We have to put these lessons into practice and actually pray. St. John Vianney's prayer follows the Jesus Prayer in hoping to make every heartbeat a prayer. (p. 198)

Finally, Fr. Mike Schmitz has a great video on what hope is and why we need it: