By Fr. Frederick Edlefsen

“We pray in words only that we may one day be free of words, and adore, praise, and love in silence that ‘Beauty which closes all lips” (Rev. Dom Paul Delatte, Commentary on The Rule of St. Benedict).

“For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy” (St. Therese of Lisieux).

Preparing Yourself to Pray

• First, make a good Confession.

• Then, ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to pray (Romans 8:26).

• Find a quiet place. Before the Blessed Sacrament is ideal. But any quiet place will do.

• Reflect on nature’s beauty. Wonder at Creation’s beauty often provokes prayer.

• Read a brief Bible passage. Spiritual reading provokes recollection. Stop reading if you feel recollected or sense God’s presence. Distracted? Read more until you’re recollected. St. Teresa of Avila always took a spiritual book to prayer.

Vocal Prayer is talking to God with words, aloud or silently. Like spiritual reading, vocal prayer invites the Holy Spirit to help us recollect. Vocal prayer may be done privately or with others. The most common vocal prayers are the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, and the Rosary. There are many others. We can also speak to God in our own words. Vocal prayer prepares us for meditation.

Meditation begins with “mental prayer,” using the mind or imagination to ponder things divine. Holy images may be helpful. Or ponder Christ’s life, a Bible passage, a saint’s wisdom, something from Mass, or a Church teaching. “Mental prayer” often leads to “affective prayer,” which is a deeper level of meditation. It’s a heartfelt affection for God – or “prayer of the heart” – springing from within. Thoughts give way to affections. Meditation moves from the “head” to the “heart.”

Prayer of Simplicity often flows from meditation. It’s a simple and loving “gaze” on God’s presence, with the “vision of faith.” You won’t “see” something, but you’ll “perceive” or “gaze” upon God with the “eye of the soul.” It usually entails a brief but profound sense of serenity.

Contemplation is mystical. The Holy Spirit invades us through his Gifts of Wisdom and Understanding. You’re overcome by a delightful divine love. It leaves a memorable confidence in God and a sense of joy and freedom.