J
JimR-OCDS
Guest
This thread is for those who have been doing Mental Prayer, as St Teresa teaches.
Please explain, how you do Mental Prayer.
Thanks
Jim
Please explain, how you do Mental Prayer.
Thanks
Jim
- Status
D
DBT
Guest
Hi Jim!
Good topic . . . thanks for starting it!
It’s interesting to me that St. Teresa often mentioned her own difficulty “doing” mental prayer. I think that is the case with me, at least in any formalized kind of way or method.
To the best of my knowledge, there really isn’t any specific “way” to do mental prayer . . . other than what St. Teresa teaches in “The Way of Perfection” of “knowing to whom it is we speak.” For those not familiar, she spent considerable time walking the reader through the Our Father. The point was to learn to pray slowly and reflectively with the clear understanding we are in His presence. This is in stark contrast to the mindless repetion and babbling of vocal prayers we all so often do. Prayed properly, mental prayer will lead us into interior recollection and, God willing, infused contemplation. Teresa describes how some souls end up only praying a single Our Father over a period as long as an hour because they become so recollected.
For many souls this is a difficult thing to do, as it is for me. In my own case, I simply try and “be” with our Lord before the tabernacle . . . hopefully in simple, loving attentiveness. Sometimes I talk to him . . . more often than not I simply “look at him as he looks at me.”
If I find myself becoming a bit distracted by noisy thoughts running through my head that divert me from this simple loving attentiveness, I’ll pick up the Gospel and read a short passage. Like Teresa, this usually does the trick to settle me down again to a point of interior recollection.
On some occassions I try something a bit more formalized . . . probably similar to what many people know as Lectio. For the most part, though, I simply “be.”
I don’t know if this makes any sense or not – I look forward to other people’s comments. Good to see you again Jim.
Dave
Good topic . . . thanks for starting it!
It’s interesting to me that St. Teresa often mentioned her own difficulty “doing” mental prayer. I think that is the case with me, at least in any formalized kind of way or method.
To the best of my knowledge, there really isn’t any specific “way” to do mental prayer . . . other than what St. Teresa teaches in “The Way of Perfection” of “knowing to whom it is we speak.” For those not familiar, she spent considerable time walking the reader through the Our Father. The point was to learn to pray slowly and reflectively with the clear understanding we are in His presence. This is in stark contrast to the mindless repetion and babbling of vocal prayers we all so often do. Prayed properly, mental prayer will lead us into interior recollection and, God willing, infused contemplation. Teresa describes how some souls end up only praying a single Our Father over a period as long as an hour because they become so recollected.
For many souls this is a difficult thing to do, as it is for me. In my own case, I simply try and “be” with our Lord before the tabernacle . . . hopefully in simple, loving attentiveness. Sometimes I talk to him . . . more often than not I simply “look at him as he looks at me.”
If I find myself becoming a bit distracted by noisy thoughts running through my head that divert me from this simple loving attentiveness, I’ll pick up the Gospel and read a short passage. Like Teresa, this usually does the trick to settle me down again to a point of interior recollection.
On some occassions I try something a bit more formalized . . . probably similar to what many people know as Lectio. For the most part, though, I simply “be.”
I don’t know if this makes any sense or not – I look forward to other people’s comments. Good to see you again Jim.
Dave
D
DBT
Guest
Hi Jim -
Since you asked, how do you go about mental prayer? That might help others figure out how to respond to your question.
My guess is most people aren’t overally familiar with the teachings of St. Teresa, in general, and the concept of mental prayer, in particular. Perhaps with some clarification others will realize that they actually do mental prayer without necessarily thinking of it in those terms.
To me, mental prayer is as simple as “go into your room, close the door and be alone with He who is our God”
Any thoughts from your end?
Dave.
Since you asked, how do you go about mental prayer? That might help others figure out how to respond to your question.
My guess is most people aren’t overally familiar with the teachings of St. Teresa, in general, and the concept of mental prayer, in particular. Perhaps with some clarification others will realize that they actually do mental prayer without necessarily thinking of it in those terms.
To me, mental prayer is as simple as “go into your room, close the door and be alone with He who is our God”
Any thoughts from your end?
Dave.
J
John28
Guest
I’m not sure if this qualifies as mental prayer but just this morning I was test driving a car after a repair when I wondered what the strange noise was I was hearing and why was I saying the Our Father to myself. Turns out a Life Flight helo was overhead and, before I realized what it was, I had begun praying. I must be developing a ‘Radar O’Reiley’ sense about those things.
B
buzzcut
Guest
I’ll just repeat some simple advice I’ve found helpful:
Prayer is an exercise of love (Life, 7.12).
Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends. It means taking the time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us (Life 8.5).
The important thing is not to think much but to love much, and so do that which best stirs you to love (Castle, 4.1.7).
Those who follow the path of no discursive reflection will find that a book can be a help for recollecting oneself quickly. It helped me also to look at fields, or water, or flowers. In these things I found a remembrance of the Creator (Life, 9.6).
L
LilyM
Guest
I use the Jesus prayer frequently, or else similar repetitions of St Faustina’s aspiration (‘Jesus I trust in You’).
Helps me place myself more fully in God’s presence, and open my heart and mind to him. I try to do this even during my other daily activities, especially stressful ones.
Helps me place myself more fully in God’s presence, and open my heart and mind to him. I try to do this even during my other daily activities, especially stressful ones.
D
DBT
Guest
So true! All your quotes were wonderful, this one especially!
One of the best ways I’ve found to help me in recollection is to sit alone in an open field watching the breeze gently swaying the trees. Does it for me everytime
Good to see 'ya Buzz.
D
DBT
Guest
Your quote reminds me so much of the example of one of my favorite spiritual masters - Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence came to the point in which he saw no difference between formal times of prayer - what we’re refering to here in Carmelite circles as mental prayer - and all other times. Every moment was spent in loving attention to our lord.
The quiet contemplation he learned before our Lord at the tabernacle soon carried over to all his daily activities . . . the ultimate multi-tasking
Sometimes he spoke to God, as you describe above. More often, however, his prayer was wordless.His great example to us was his learned ability to maintain a simple interior gaze directed to God, regardless of what he was doing. It’s as if he simply smiled at God in all his prayertime and daily activities.
Dave
BTW - he is my namesake in Carmel
I
InLight247
Guest
I just came back from a three-hour exposed Eucharist Adoration. I do this every Thursday night. Kneeling on the front row, everyone else is behind me, I only see Jesus. That is my favorite time of the week, except attending Mass. I feel like the Mary sitting under Jesus’ feet.
During this time of undivided attention, I pray Rosary, read Bible, read a spiritual book,
and also just sit there with a love gaze. Through continued “being with”, I feel gradually being transformed. This is unavoidable. Being in God’s presence, one has no choice but to be soaked in His grace.
My constant desire of solitude to be with God is one form of my mental prayer. My inner person is drawn to be with Him. Sometimes I feel the awareness of Him during my sleep.
I also use Jesus prayer and “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you” as my frequent prayer.
But often times, I just tell Jesus “I love you, I love you so much.” I feel so much in love with Him, a thirst, so intense.
During this time of undivided attention, I pray Rosary, read Bible, read a spiritual book,
and also just sit there with a love gaze. Through continued “being with”, I feel gradually being transformed. This is unavoidable. Being in God’s presence, one has no choice but to be soaked in His grace.
My constant desire of solitude to be with God is one form of my mental prayer. My inner person is drawn to be with Him. Sometimes I feel the awareness of Him during my sleep.
I also use Jesus prayer and “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you” as my frequent prayer.
But often times, I just tell Jesus “I love you, I love you so much.” I feel so much in love with Him, a thirst, so intense.
D
DBT
Guest
Hi InLight247 -
I really enjoyed your post! Just “being” with our Lord the way you describe is such a wonderful experience!
St. Teresa teaches that it is sometimes difficult for some of us to get to that point of “simply being.” Until God brings us to that level of recollection, St. Teresa teaches us that an important aspect of mental prayer is to actively engage our intellect in seeking Him . . . what many of us today would call meditation. One example that’s discussed so often on these forums is Lectio Divina.
Here’s a link that describes Lectio from a Teresian perspective:
www.carmelite.com/saints/other/more.htm
Dave
I really enjoyed your post! Just “being” with our Lord the way you describe is such a wonderful experience!
St. Teresa teaches that it is sometimes difficult for some of us to get to that point of “simply being.” Until God brings us to that level of recollection, St. Teresa teaches us that an important aspect of mental prayer is to actively engage our intellect in seeking Him . . . what many of us today would call meditation. One example that’s discussed so often on these forums is Lectio Divina.
Here’s a link that describes Lectio from a Teresian perspective:
www.carmelite.com/saints/other/more.htm
Dave
I
InLight247
Guest
It is a very good long reading. Interesting thing is the part about “recollection”.
I read the entire article and went to bed last night. The part about “finding the presence of Christ within herself” lingered in my mind. That’s exactly what I have been feeling lately. In solitude with God, by touching my inner self, I sense the closeness of God’s presence. It is always exciting and comforting when you read something describes your own feeling, something you can identify with well.
I thought about sharing this on the thread. This morning, I got to the website to find the part about “finding the presence of Christ within” and I realized Teresa was talking about “Prayer of Recollection”. Then I re-read your previous post, it was also what you were pointing out. Very intriguing!
There is a website: www.sacredspace.ie I sometimes use for prayer. It could be used for Lectio Divina.
D
DBT
Guest
Hi InLight247 -
What a wonderful blessing you have been given
If there is such a thing as a “goal” in mental prayer, it is to bring us to the point of the interior recollection you describe so well . . . where one is standing . . . literally . . . on the threshold of contemplation.
One of the things St. Teresa teaches about this Prayer of Recollection is that the coming of our Lord in this way is so subtle we often fail to recognize Him. Without some basic understanding of how He comes - like what you’ve just shared with us - the unfortunate truth is we often end up resisting His grace.
We resist in a very simple way: By thinking we should be “doing” something in our prayer rather than simply “being.” It is part of our human nature that we think we should always be on the go and that we must “finish” the prayer and meditations we started. But that’s not what God wants of us at these times.
When one recognizes the gentle pull of our Lord toward interior solitude, the way we cooperate with Him is to put our book or rosary down and leave behind whatever big thoughts might have been on our mind in our meditation. God is bringing us to “passive” prayer so the “active” methods of our mental prayer are no longer needed . . . in fact they are now an obstacle. We simply “be.” This is recollection and, God willing, He will bring us into even deeper union with Him . . . contemplation.
Experience will teach us there’s a certain “art” to mental prayer - for I don’t really think it is a “science” in anyway. The art is the intuivtive understanding of means and ends. Union with God is the “end” we seek. When one senses interior recollection we have found Him . . . and the “means” by which we were seeking Him should be left behind.
Thank you so much InLight247 for sharing this with us
Dave
J
Joysong
Guest
I
InLight247
Guest
Thanks for your excellent explanation. It is very helpful. I am constantly learning and grateful for all the information.
**“In Him we live, move, and have our being.” ** When we make all the efforts to get close to Him, He will gladly draw us near. St. Teresa talks about using images to help us pray.
In my office, Bible quotes and picture of Jesus are all over. I have two computers in my office, on the backup one, I have 200 + slide shows, constantly presents different pictures. Many of the pictures are our Lord Jesus, our Holy Mother, angels, Pop John Paul II, our local church, etc. Therefore, while working, I still put myself in the atmosphere of praying.
The spiritual journey needs encouragement and companions. Thanks to all the help from this forum.
God bless!
J
JimR-OCDS
Guest
Well, I’m back after taking a surprise mini-vacation in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Anyway, reading through the post was interesting. Much of what was shared was beautiful!
For me, after saying the Divine Office Evening Prayer, with my wife, I say my prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Then, I move into saying my sacred prayer word, “Lord Jesus.”
As I do so, I place myself in his presence. When I become aware of erroneous thoughts or other distractions, I gently return to my prayer word, “Lord Jesus.” I have no petitions for him, nor do I anticipate consolations or gifts. All that I desire, is to be with him, loving him. I leave everything up to Him. I continue with my prayer, until such time, that I know it’s time to leave. Then I say a reverent and slow Our Father, and I begin to open my eyes. My time in mental prayer can last anywhere from 10 minutes to a half-hour.
From my experience, the Lord sometimes feeds me most when I’ve felt I really didn’t reach a deep level of prayer. Sometimes, I’ve been tempted to just end the prayer almost as soon as I’ve started because I’m distracted by so many thoughts, or physical distractions. However, I stay with it, not working, but merely relaxing, saying the prayer word, “Lord Jesus,” as much as needed. Gentelness is the key here. Generally, I’m brought to a deep place within, where it feels like I’m at the depth of my being. In the book, "The Way of the Pilgrim, " the author described saying the Jesus Prayer, in that he would feel that he was brought to the very center of his heart and that the Lord’s presence was almost like a pain, but a pain of love.
Myself, I generally just feel the peace Jesus gives me.
The after effects are what really tell me that I was in His presence and that he has given me his grace. For one, love of other’s becomes part of my life. Seeing Christ in others, and having compassion for their poverty, I know is not of my own, but what Jesus has given me. Also, looking at the beauty of the world around me, overwhelms me with love, as I see God’s creating hand in all of it. Saint Francis of Assisi once took a handful of dirt, and said, “I can feel the pulse of God in it.” My creativity in painting or music increase. I’m at peace, not my peace, but God’s peace.
I’m a little reluctant in sharing my experience in mental prayer, because I don’t want other’s to expect the same. Their experience in prayer is theirs, and is between them and Jesus. Everyone’s spiritual needs are different and we’re all at different level’s of prayer. Jesus knows our needs are and feeds his us accordingly.
So please, don’t take my experience in prayer as something that you must experience. Your prayer must be your humble openness
to the transforming grace that God will feed you with.
It will be more beautiful than anything that could be experienced in this life.
Peace
Jim
Anyway, reading through the post was interesting. Much of what was shared was beautiful!
For me, after saying the Divine Office Evening Prayer, with my wife, I say my prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.
Then, I move into saying my sacred prayer word, “Lord Jesus.”
As I do so, I place myself in his presence. When I become aware of erroneous thoughts or other distractions, I gently return to my prayer word, “Lord Jesus.” I have no petitions for him, nor do I anticipate consolations or gifts. All that I desire, is to be with him, loving him. I leave everything up to Him. I continue with my prayer, until such time, that I know it’s time to leave. Then I say a reverent and slow Our Father, and I begin to open my eyes. My time in mental prayer can last anywhere from 10 minutes to a half-hour.
From my experience, the Lord sometimes feeds me most when I’ve felt I really didn’t reach a deep level of prayer. Sometimes, I’ve been tempted to just end the prayer almost as soon as I’ve started because I’m distracted by so many thoughts, or physical distractions. However, I stay with it, not working, but merely relaxing, saying the prayer word, “Lord Jesus,” as much as needed. Gentelness is the key here. Generally, I’m brought to a deep place within, where it feels like I’m at the depth of my being. In the book, "The Way of the Pilgrim, " the author described saying the Jesus Prayer, in that he would feel that he was brought to the very center of his heart and that the Lord’s presence was almost like a pain, but a pain of love.
Myself, I generally just feel the peace Jesus gives me.
The after effects are what really tell me that I was in His presence and that he has given me his grace. For one, love of other’s becomes part of my life. Seeing Christ in others, and having compassion for their poverty, I know is not of my own, but what Jesus has given me. Also, looking at the beauty of the world around me, overwhelms me with love, as I see God’s creating hand in all of it. Saint Francis of Assisi once took a handful of dirt, and said, “I can feel the pulse of God in it.” My creativity in painting or music increase. I’m at peace, not my peace, but God’s peace.
I’m a little reluctant in sharing my experience in mental prayer, because I don’t want other’s to expect the same. Their experience in prayer is theirs, and is between them and Jesus. Everyone’s spiritual needs are different and we’re all at different level’s of prayer. Jesus knows our needs are and feeds his us accordingly.
So please, don’t take my experience in prayer as something that you must experience. Your prayer must be your humble openness
to the transforming grace that God will feed you with.
It will be more beautiful than anything that could be experienced in this life.
Peace
Jim
I
InLight247
Guest
But it is so beautiful to hear experiences from others.
Indeed our Lord leads each individual with a unique way because we are all special in His eyes. Yet there is always a common ground – our love for Him and His for us.
The longing, the pain, the inner brokenness, the wound of love, the joy and peace…
The only way to quench our hunger and thirst is to continue our search and our “being with”.
However, that will never be really satisfied until eternity.
D
DBT
Guest
Hi Jim !
No truer words than these! Seeing our lives slowly transformed into an ever deepening love of God and love of neighbor is the proof of our prayer. And peace is the gift only He can give.
I enjoyed your reflections
Dave
I
InLight247
Guest
How true that love is the fruit of following Christ!
One time while I was silently saying my rosary in my heart in the crowded and noisy subway of D.C, I was reminded that there is image of Christ in every one of those people - young or old, black, yellow or white, good looking or not so good looking.
Now while looking at people, I often have such thoughts come to me, not out of my own thinking, but come to me. Prayer and closeness to God no doubt lead to one’s transformation. And what a precious transformation that is!
One time while I was silently saying my rosary in my heart in the crowded and noisy subway of D.C, I was reminded that there is image of Christ in every one of those people - young or old, black, yellow or white, good looking or not so good looking.
Now while looking at people, I often have such thoughts come to me, not out of my own thinking, but come to me. Prayer and closeness to God no doubt lead to one’s transformation. And what a precious transformation that is!
D
DBT
Guest
It seems to me this “transformation in love” is the entire essence behind the teachings of St. Teresa and St. John . . . the end result, if you will, of mental prayer properly prayed.
Somewhere St. Teresa says we can never be entirely sure of our love for God . . . but we certainly can tell if our love for neighbor is growing. So when all is said and done, the acid test of our prayer comes down to this: growth in the practice of virtue. St. Teresa is quite clear on that. No amount of contemplative graces and deep interior union with God in prayer is worth a hill of beans if virtue is lacking.
Thus, St. Teresa teaches the pinnacle of the spiritual life is when our prayer and God’s grace transforms us so completely that “Martha” and “Mary” work in perfect harmony in our souls. Note that she doesn’t say we become either Martha or Mary – but both (Interior Castle-7th Dwelling Place).
- Status