Authentic Vocal Prayer

[BarbaraTherese]

Here is a link to an essay on authentic vocal prayer:

groups.yahoo.com/group/cincarm/message/3754

The following is only portion of the overall text:

."…In our mortal weakness, we often do not know how to pray as we ought.

St. Paul teaches us that God sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts to aid us in our prayer. The Spirit can take the message of the words we say and purify it so that it is prepared for the ear of the Father. He can also take the spiritual response of the Father and translate it into a message we can receive in our mortal state.

In order for us to pray with the Spirit, our hearts need to be as fully engaged as is possible at the time we pray. Good vocal prayer requires an effort to speak the words with reverence and care, keeping in mind Who we are speaking to. It requires a greater effort to try to be still and to listen for the Spirit’s response. One way that helps us to keep our focus, is to mentally have Jesus at our side when we pray. ."…

The link is from Cincarm which discusses all things Carmelite:

Cincarm was originally the Catholic Information Network’s Carmelite spirituality email list, CIN Carm.
Members share about the Carmelite Orders, their saints and their teachings, share retreat and conference or pilgrimage experiences, inquire about prayer techniques, discuss Carmelite community issues, share world news of the Orders, etc.
LINK TO SITE: groups.yahoo.com/group/cincarm/