Prayer & Memory

[amaranise]

Prayer & Memory

Is there some connection I am unaware of – between prayer and memory? Throughout all my formal studies in Theology, a significant understanding of the concept of the “Communion of Saints” has always eluded me. Could then, these feelings I have when I pray be some sort of metaphysical manifestation of this “Communion of Saints?” Even now, as I attempt to write this down – in the moment – I struggle to explain how I am feeling, though I will give it my best attempt.

Sometimes, a picture of someone, an old note they had written to me, returning to a familiar place in which I had a particular experience, or even holding an object made by or given to me by someone causes me to nearly feel their presence… Yet, I am often overwhelmed by the vividness of the memory. Knowing that I will never recapture the fondness I have somehow attached to the object (whether it be the picture, the note, the location, or the ‘trinket’), I feel this deep, urging ‘pull’ or inclination to hold the item in my hand and close my eyes to pray. I have no problem with prayer – communicating with God in His Son, Jesus – no problem at all… in fact, I enjoy it; I find great comfort in doing so, but why do I have this urge to pray when I reminisce? What does it mean, spiritually? Socially? Emotionally?

Whenever I do pray in these moments, it is never to somehow re-experience the original emotion I have attached to the object of my memory (because I know that such experiences cannot be replicated which is perhaps why they are called “once in a lifetime” moments), but I always find myself simply praying for the person about whom I feel such a connection with the object. It feels to me as if though, by praying to God, I can somehow unite myself and my feelings of love for them (or the experiences I had with them) to that particular person or persons through my communication with God. I imagine what perplexes me most about this entire idea is that even when I try to explain it to myself (such as in this brief explanation), I feel as if though I do not fully capture what I experience. I don’t even know if this explanation has made sense or if there are other people in the world who feel like or have ever felt like this… which intimidates me even more… Am I out-of-touch with reality? Or am I simply connecting with a reality much deeper than my finite mind allows me to comprehend?

I’ve often heard my wise professors mention that there are moments of incredible happiness that we experience in this life which are only “glimpses” of what is to come in Heaven when we can adore Jesus face-to-face; this, Theologians call, the “Beatific Vision.” Could these vivid memories attached to these objects or locations and my simultaneous desire to pray in order to somehow spiritually “re-connect” with such moments which brought me such happiness be “sacramental” in character? At this point, I have no answers; only a greater longing for the eternal presence of God when my journey through this life is complete so that, maybe then, after all these times of longing for what was, I can finally attain what is and ever shall be. Even if these experiences of mine are beyond human competency or understanding, I trust that God Himself understands, and that, as St. Thomas Aquinas once said, His Love will “take up” where my knowledge “leaves off.”

~ Anthony Maranise
2/22/2014 9:42 PM

 

[SuzanneD]

I take it as the Spirit prompting me to pray.

 

[DBT]

Certainly there’s a connection between prayer and memory!!

Our memory has two important functions: to help us remember God … and to forget self. A sign of spiritual perfection is the degree to which we do this with the mind of God.

Further, everything in creation – be it natural or supernatural; of sense or spirit – is given to us as a means to lead us to God. Again, one of the key hallmarks of perfection (the unitive way) is the degree to which we use these “means” to their proper “end” … the habitual remembrance of God.

The things I allude to are acts we do to foster remembrance; aka the Practice of the Presence of God, recollection, acquired contemplation etc. St. John of the Cross describes this “work” in his treatment of the active night of spirit.

But God also does this work in us too … though it is experienced passively rather than actively as just described. So it is not uncommon for God to “impress Himself” upon our souls in order to unite us to Him more fully. At times He may He may infuse a knowledge of Him upon or intellect or profound love of Him upon our will … without any activity, effort or doing on our part. It is simply a “touch” of God. And, of course, He can work upon our memory too … much in the manner you describe. Sometimes these infusions upon intellect, will or memory can be incredibly profound and sublime. Perhaps we might even experience it as something like a glimpse behind the veil where faith momentarily becomes something akin to sight … although in this life such sight will always remain somewhat obscure.

St. John of the Cross treats the purification of our memory in chapters 1-15 of Book 3 of The Ascent of Mount Carmel:

catholictreasury.info/books/ascent/content2.php

Much of these chapters pertain to the active night … where we train ourselves to overcome our natural tendency to forget God through acts of remembrance. With time, effort and grace this remembrance may then become habitual … as second nature to us as breathing. Scattered throughout these chapters, though, are references to the more passive type of encounters you describe. Anywhere you see him use the word “touch” he is attempting to describe the sublime experience of God impressing Himself directly upon intellect, will or memory.

Examples relating to memory can include individuals we haven’t thought of years just “popping” into our mind and we instinctively pray for them. Or we just “happen” to glance at the clock at 12N and we remember the Angelus. Or our mind is gently recalled to Him when our work or the multitude of daily diversions we encounter momentarily distract us and we stray from the awareness of His presence.

In some souls, Brother Lawrence as one example, the union of the faculties becomes so strong that little or no effort need be made to order, direct or plan their daily lives as God directly informs them what needs to be done at precisely the right time to do it through these passive touches of remembrance.

Hope this helps!
Dave

 

[fred_conty]

There is a connection when I look at pictures. It does take me back and it does bring to mind certain feelings about the individuals whether good or bad depending on our relationship. Probably a lot of people have this kind of connection. It also makes me want to pray from them as well especially of they are deceased, but even if they are alive.

To look at the face of Jesus, or to remember the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary, also have this same effect.

If you are thinking of something different, then maybe this is just an individual power given to you and maybe something similar to specials gifts given to certain people but not all. I do believe some are more sensitive and alive than others. And this may be something that you have that only a few others may have for I would venture that many people have abilities they are not aware of.

May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.

 

[Brigid34]

It has been said that our brains get the neural connections imprinted more when we do something over and over. To me that includes the Rosary. That’s where I’ve noted the most connection between memory and prayer in myself.