Speaking during mental prayer

[filsdefournet]

Hi all –

I’ve been following a routine of mental prayer outlined by St. Teresa of Avila, in which one begins with preparation and selection of the text, and then moves on to meditation on the topic, followed by conversation with Christ and a conclusion (resolution). So, in a nutshell, you put yourself in the presence of God, then with a selected topic, you turn it over in your mind, and then speak at length to God about it.

Here’s my question: I find it difficult to maintain a purely mental conversation with God. It’s much easier for me to verbalize my petitions and affectations. I know that St. Teresa teaches that any time we are truly conversing with God, we are praying mental prayer. Still, I wonder if the conversation part of mental prayer can be spoken aloud, or if it should remain purely mental.

Thoughts?

 

[eddadonkey]

+JMJ+

Hi all –

I’ve been following a routine of mental prayer outlined by St. Teresa of Avila, in which one begins with preparation and selection of the text, and then moves on to meditation on the topic, followed by conversation with Christ and a conclusion (resolution). So, in a nutshell, you put yourself in the presence of God, then with a selected topic, you turn it over in your mind, and then speak at length to God about it.

Here’s my question: I find it difficult to maintain a purely mental conversation with God. It’s much easier for me to verbalize my petitions and affectations. I know that St. Teresa teaches that any time we are truly conversing with God, we are praying mental prayer. Still, I wonder if the conversation part of mental prayer can be spoken aloud, or if it should remain purely mental.

Thoughts?

Ah, lexio divina, one very effective and orthodox way of mental prayer

Continue whatever you are doing. Remember that while you are praying it is the Holy Spirit Who’s helping you pray. Therefore if it is easier for you to pray with spoken words while doing lexio divina, go for it, for it is the Holy Spirit Himself Who is praying for you using your lips.

Trust Him

O Lord, thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise!
Psalm 51:15

 

[puzzleannie]

Hi Still, I wonder if the conversation part of mental prayer can be spoken aloud, or if it should remain purely mental.

Thoughts?

of course it can, there is no difficulty or conflict here whatever. some people also find it helpful to journal in this stage. do what works for you