How to Grow in Mental Prayer
Mental prayer, also known as contemplative prayer or meditation, is a valuable practice for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and nurture their spiritual life for several reasons:
Personal Encounter with God: Mental prayer provides an opportunity for a direct and personal encounter with God. It goes beyond reciting prescribed prayers and engages the individual in a deep and intimate conversation with the Divine. It allows for a heartfelt communion with God, fostering a personal relationship and nurturing a deeper understanding of His presence in one's life.
Deepening Relationship with God: Mental prayer helps Catholics develop a more profound and authentic relationship with God. Through this form of prayer, individuals can express their thoughts, emotions, desires, and struggles to God, fostering openness, vulnerability, and trust. It allows for a deeper sense of communion and connection with the divine presence.
Formation of Interior Life: Mental prayer cultivates the interior life of the individual. It helps individuals to explore the depths of their own hearts, discern their thoughts and motivations, and develop self-awareness. Through mental prayer, Catholics can examine their conscience, seek spiritual guidance, and grow in self-knowledge, leading to personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Listening and Discernment: Mental prayer involves not only speaking to God but also listening attentively to His voice. It provides a space for Catholics to quiet their minds, listen to God's guidance, and discern His will. Mental prayer fosters a spirit of receptivity and openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to discern God's presence and direction in their lives.
Nourishment and Spiritual Nourishment: Mental prayer is a source of spiritual nourishment. It allows individuals to dwell on the truths of the faith, meditate on Scripture, and contemplate the mysteries of God. Through mental prayer, Catholics can gain deeper insights into God's love, mercy, and wisdom, drawing spiritual sustenance for their journey of faith.
Integration of Faith into Daily Life: Mental prayer helps individuals integrate their faith into their daily lives. It provides a space for reflection on how to live out the teachings of Christ and the values of the Gospel in practical ways. Mental prayer inspires Catholics to bring their faith into their thoughts, actions, and relationships, transforming their lives and contributing to the building of God's kingdom on earth.
Strengthening Virtues and Overcoming Challenges: Mental prayer aids in the cultivation of virtues and the development of moral character. It helps individuals reflect on their actions, align their lives with God's commandments, and seek His grace for growth in virtue. Mental prayer also provides solace, guidance, and strength in times of difficulty, enabling Catholics to find peace and resilience amidst life's challenges.
Here are some steps to help you grow in mental prayer:
Set Aside Time: Schedule regular dedicated time for mental prayer. Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can be alone with God without distractions. Start with a manageable duration, such as 10-15 minutes, and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.
Prepare Yourself: Before entering into mental prayer, prepare yourself by quieting your mind and heart. Take a few moments to center yourself and become aware of God's presence. You can use prayers, Scripture readings, or gentle music to help transition into a state of prayerful attentiveness.
Choose a Focus: Select a spiritual theme, Scripture passage, or a particular aspect of God's character or teachings to focus on during your mental prayer. It could be a word, a phrase, an image, or a concept that resonates with you. This focus will serve as an anchor for your thoughts and reflections.
Engage in Reflection: With your chosen focus in mind, reflect on its meaning and significance in relation to your life and faith. Ponder the depths of its implications and how it connects with your personal experiences and challenges. Allow yourself to engage deeply with the thoughts and feelings that arise.
Listen and Be Open: In mental prayer, it is not just about speaking to God but also about listening attentively to His voice. Cultivate an attitude of openness and receptivity to what God may want to communicate to you during this time of prayer. Be open to His guidance, insights, and inspirations.
Embrace Silence and Stillness: Mental prayer often involves moments of silence and stillness, allowing space for God to speak and for your heart to listen. Embrace these moments of silence, letting go of the need to fill every second with words or thoughts. Be present in the stillness and allow it to deepen your connection with God.
Persist Through Challenges: Mental prayer can sometimes be challenging. Distractions, wandering thoughts, or a sense of dryness may arise. When faced with these challenges, gently redirect your focus back to your chosen theme or focus. Be patient with yourself and trust that God is present even in these difficult moments.
Seek Spiritual Guidance: If you feel the need for guidance or direction in your mental prayer practice, consider seeking the support of a spiritual director, a priest, or a trusted mentor. They can offer insights, wisdom, and personalized guidance to help you navigate and grow in your mental prayer journey.
Integrate Mental Prayer into Daily Life: As you grow in mental prayer, aim to integrate its spirit and insights into your daily life. Seek to carry the fruits of your prayer into your interactions, decisions, and actions. Let mental prayer be a transformative practice that shapes your entire way of being.
Stay Committed and Consistent: Growing in mental prayer is a lifelong journey. Stay committed to regular practice, even when it feels challenging or dry. Trust that God is present and working in your prayer, even if you do not always perceive immediate or dramatic results. Consistency and perseverance will bear fruit over time.
Intergrate your prayer into your daily planner
Mental prayer is a personal encounter with God, and each person's experience may differ. Be open to the unique ways in which God may meet you in your prayer. With patience, practice, and openness, mental prayer can become a powerful means of deepening your relationship with God and nurturing your spiritual growth in your spiritual journey.
Book recommendation on growing in a deeper prayer life TIME FOR GOD : A Guide to Mental Prayer
by Jacques Philippe
