Beginning to Pray Beginning to Pray and Progress in and Progress in

PrayerPrayer

Introductory Class for Spiritual Introductory Class for Spiritual Directors – Community of Directors – Community of

Jesus CrucifiedJesus CrucifiedFr. Michael Champagne, CJCFr. Michael Champagne, CJC

I. Prayer in GeneralI. Prayer in General

DefinitionDefinition The elevation of heart and mind to The elevation of heart and mind to

God in order to converse with HimGod in order to converse with Him The asking of good things from GodThe asking of good things from God A glance of love cast toward A glance of love cast toward

heaven...a surge of the heart to heaven...a surge of the heart to God...in times of both joy and God...in times of both joy and sorrowsorrow

Various Types of PrayerVarious Types of Prayer► Kinds of PrayerKinds of Prayer

Prayer of Blessing – God’s gift and man’s acceptance Prayer of Blessing – God’s gift and man’s acceptance (Eph.1:3ff)(Eph.1:3ff)

Prayer of Adoration – Attitude of creature before Prayer of Adoration – Attitude of creature before Creator (Ps. 95)Creator (Ps. 95)

Prayer of Petition – every need, forgiveness (Lk. Prayer of Petition – every need, forgiveness (Lk. 18:13)18:13)

Prayer of Intercession – a participation in Christ’s Prayer of Intercession – a participation in Christ’s prayer for others (for leaders [1Tim. 2:1]; for our prayer for others (for leaders [1Tim. 2:1]; for our persecutors [Rom.12:14])persecutors [Rom.12:14])

Prayer of Thanksgiving – Eucharist par excellence; Prayer of Thanksgiving – Eucharist par excellence; “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God” (1 Thess. 5:18)of God” (1 Thess. 5:18)

Prayer of Praise – recognizes that God IS! H.S. joins Prayer of Praise – recognizes that God IS! H.S. joins to our spirits to witness we are children of God to our spirits to witness we are children of God (1Cor.8:6)(1Cor.8:6)

Progression in PrayerProgression in Prayer

Like a human love relationship – a Like a human love relationship – a movement from talking much (vocal movement from talking much (vocal prayer) to asking questions and prayer) to asking questions and pondering the other (meditation) to just pondering the other (meditation) to just silent in one another’s presence silent in one another’s presence (contemplation).(contemplation).

Novo Millennio IneunteNovo Millennio Ineunte““The great mystical tradition of the Church of both The great mystical tradition of the Church of both East and West has much to say in this regard. It East and West has much to say in this regard. It shows how prayer can progress, as a genuine shows how prayer can progress, as a genuine dialogue of love, to the point of rendering the dialogue of love, to the point of rendering the person wholly possessed by the divine Beloved, person wholly possessed by the divine Beloved, vibrating at the Spirit's touch, resting filially within vibrating at the Spirit's touch, resting filially within the Father's heart. This is the lived experience of the Father's heart. This is the lived experience of Christ's promise: "He who loves me will be loved by Christ's promise: "He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him" (to him" (Jn Jn 14:21). It is a journey totally sustained by 14:21). It is a journey totally sustained by grace, which nonetheless demands an intense grace, which nonetheless demands an intense spiritual commitment and is no stranger to painful spiritual commitment and is no stranger to painful purifications (the "dark night"). But it leads, in purifications (the "dark night"). But it leads, in various possible ways, to the ineffable joy various possible ways, to the ineffable joy experienced by the mystics as "nuptial union". How experienced by the mystics as "nuptial union". How can we forget here, among the many shining can we forget here, among the many shining examples, the teachings of Saint John of the Cross examples, the teachings of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Avila?”and Saint Teresa of Avila?”

Progression in Prayer (cont.)Progression in Prayer (cont.)

Teresa of Avila – 4 Waters; 7 MansionsTeresa of Avila – 4 Waters; 7 Mansions Guigo II: “Seek in reading (Guigo II: “Seek in reading (lectiolectio) and ) and

you will find in meditating (you will find in meditating (meditatiomeditatio); ); knock in mental prayer (knock in mental prayer (oratiooratio) and it will ) and it will be opened to you by contemplation be opened to you by contemplation ((contemplatiocontemplatio)” [)” [CCCCCC 2654] 2654]

Praying the Praying the ScripturesScriptures

I.I. Different Expressions of PrayerDifferent Expressions of Prayer► Lectio – Lectio – Spiritual readingSpiritual reading► Meditatio – Meditatio – MeditationMeditation► Oratio – Oratio – Intimate conversation and Interior Intimate conversation and Interior

recollectionrecollection► Contemplatio – Contemplatio – Simple gazeSimple gaze

► ““Seek in reading (Seek in reading (lectiolectio) and you will find ) and you will find in meditating (in meditating (meditatiomeditatio); knock in mental ); knock in mental prayer (prayer (oratiooratio) and it will be opened to ) and it will be opened to you by contemplation (you by contemplation (contemplatiocontemplatio)” )” ((CCCCCC 2654). 2654).

What is Meditation?What is Meditation?

a seekinga seeking a becoming familiar with Jesusa becoming familiar with Jesus a “pondering all these things in our a “pondering all these things in our

hearts”hearts”

► ““Meditation is above all a quest. Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the The mind seeks to understand the why and how of the Christian life, in why and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is asking” (the Lord is asking” (CCCCCC 2705). 2705).

What does meditation What does meditation involve?involve?

A process = an “eating” or “chewing”; a A process = an “eating” or “chewing”; a “ruminating”; a “pondering”; a “ruminating”; a “pondering”; a “questioning” in faith and love“questioning” in faith and love

An object (material to ponder) = Christ An object (material to ponder) = Christ and His Mysteriesand His Mysteries

Fruit = Nourishment and GrowthFruit = Nourishment and Growth

Catechism on MeditationCatechism on Meditation

►““The required attentiveness is difficult to The required attentiveness is difficult to sustain. We are usually helped by books, sustain. We are usually helped by books, and Christians do not want for them: the and Christians do not want for them: the Sacred Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, Sacred Scriptures, particularly the Gospels, holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or holy icons, liturgical texts of the day or season, writings of the spiritual fathers, season, writings of the spiritual fathers, works of spirituality, the great book of works of spirituality, the great book of creation, and that of history – the page on creation, and that of history – the page on which the “today” of God is written” (which the “today” of God is written” (CCCCCC 2705).2705).

A Look at the Meditation A Look at the Meditation ProcessProcess

a.a. Look at JesusLook at Jesus

b.b. Look at MeLook at Me

c.c. Make an AdjustmentMake an Adjustment

Catechism on ProcessCatechism on Process

► ““To meditate on what we read helps us to To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with make it our own by confronting it with ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. We pass from thoughts to reality. book of life. We pass from thoughts to reality. To the extent that we are humble and To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover in meditation the faithful, we discover in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern them. It is a question of able to discern them. It is a question of acting truthfully in order to come into the acting truthfully in order to come into the light: ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’” light: ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’” ((CCCCCC 2706). 2706).

The “How to” of MeditationThe “How to” of Meditation

Fixed place and timeFixed place and time Choose and prepare a passageChoose and prepare a passage Pray for Light of Holy SpiritPray for Light of Holy Spirit Read slowly and ruminate (chew)Read slowly and ruminate (chew) Use your reason power and imagination Use your reason power and imagination

to “dig-into” the Scripturesto “dig-into” the Scriptures Allow the Word of God to confront youAllow the Word of God to confront you Make a resolutionMake a resolution Pray in thanksgiving and for strength to Pray in thanksgiving and for strength to

keep resolutionkeep resolution

Catechism on Use of Catechism on Use of FacultiesFaculties

►““Meditation engages thought, Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ” (CCC 2708).Christ” (CCC 2708).

II. Prayer of PetitionII. Prayer of Petition

Petition and PredestinationPetition and Predestination► Things God has pre-destined to give us Things God has pre-destined to give us

absolutely – whether we pray for them absolutely – whether we pray for them or notor not

► Things God has pre-destined to not Things God has pre-destined to not give us – whether we pray for them or give us – whether we pray for them or notnot

► Things God has pre-destined to give us Things God has pre-destined to give us conditionally – that is, only if we pray conditionally – that is, only if we pray for themfor them

Necessity of PrayerNecessity of Prayer► ““watch and pray” (Mt. 26:41)watch and pray” (Mt. 26:41)► ““they must always pray and not they must always pray and not

lose heart” (Lk. 18:1)lose heart” (Lk. 18:1)► ““ask and it shall be given to you” ask and it shall be given to you”

(Mt. 7:7)(Mt. 7:7)► ““pray without ceasing” (1Thess pray without ceasing” (1Thess

5:17)5:17)► ““be assiduous in prayer” (Col. 4:2)be assiduous in prayer” (Col. 4:2)

►““If you wish to be saved pray; if you If you wish to be saved pray; if you do not pray you will certainly be do not pray you will certainly be damned” (St. Alphonsus Liguori)damned” (St. Alphonsus Liguori)

►““If you do not pray, you cannot If you do not pray, you cannot stay” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)stay” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

Prayer to SaintsPrayer to Saints► Prayer as to be fulfilled by the one Prayer as to be fulfilled by the one

praying to – only God can grant praying to – only God can grant grace as Causegrace as Cause

► Prayer as to be obtained through Prayer as to be obtained through the one praying to – here the the one praying to – here the Saints can intercede for usSaints can intercede for us

Difficulties in PrayerDifficulties in Prayer► DistractionsDistractions

AttentionAttention►words – pronouncing themwords – pronouncing them►words – attention to their words – attention to their

meaningmeaning►to Whom we are to Whom we are

addressingaddressing

Possible causes of distractionsPossible causes of distractions► constitutional factorsconstitutional factors► physical or mental illnessphysical or mental illness► sinfulness and vicesinfulness and vice► improper spiritual directionimproper spiritual direction► devildevil► circumstances or circumstances or

environmentenvironment

► DrynessDryness CausesCauses► individualindividual►GodGod►DevilDevil

III. Grades of Prayer in the III. Grades of Prayer in the Active WayActive Way

Vocal PrayerVocal Prayer► Definition – prayer expressed in words Definition – prayer expressed in words

either vocally or writteneither vocally or written► ImportanceImportance

arouse interior devotionarouse interior devotion give homage to God with body as give homage to God with body as

well as heartwell as heart opportunity to give vent to spiritual opportunity to give vent to spiritual

sentimentssentiments

► ComponentsComponents attention – mindattention – mind piety – heartpiety – heart Without both, St. Teresa of Without both, St. Teresa of

Avila did not consider it Avila did not consider it worthy of being called worthy of being called prayer at allprayer at all

► DurationDuration Individual prayer time Individual prayer time ►often will be limited by often will be limited by

ability to sustain devotionability to sustain devotion Fittingness of vocal prayerFittingness of vocal prayer►most common prayer and most common prayer and

liturgical prayerliturgical prayer►can never be completely can never be completely

omittedomitted

MeditationMeditation► Definition: “a reasoned Definition: “a reasoned

application of the mind to application of the mind to some supernatural truth in some supernatural truth in order to penetrate its meaning, order to penetrate its meaning, love it and carry it into practice love it and carry it into practice with the assistance of grace” with the assistance of grace” (Royo, 514).(Royo, 514).

It is discursiveIt is discursive Thus the need for attentionThus the need for attention Its place within the different Its place within the different

expressions of prayerexpressions of prayer It is a seeking and a becoming It is a seeking and a becoming

familiar with Jesusfamiliar with Jesus It involves a process and a It involves a process and a

subject mattersubject matter► supernatural objectsupernatural object► appropriate with one’s appropriate with one’s

circumstancescircumstances

► Difference from theological speculationDifference from theological speculation It is prayer properly speakingIt is prayer properly speaking It has a double finalityIt has a double finality► intellectual – forming firm intellectual – forming firm

convictionsconvictions► affective – movement of love in affective – movement of love in

the will and practical resolutions the will and practical resolutions (love expresses itself in deeds, (love expresses itself in deeds, thus the resolution is essential)thus the resolution is essential)

► Methods of MeditationMethods of Meditation This is important for beginners – This is important for beginners –

knowing how to meditateknowing how to meditate► use of methods (cf. Royo pp. use of methods (cf. Royo pp.

516-518)516-518)► use of meditation booksuse of meditation books► a simple method and the 3 a simple method and the 3

stages (cf. handout)stages (cf. handout)

Affective PrayerAffective Prayer► Definition: “type of prayer in Definition: “type of prayer in

which the operations of the will which the operations of the will predominate over predominate over discursusdiscursus of of the intellect” (Royo, 521).the intellect” (Royo, 521).

It is a simplified meditation, It is a simplified meditation, without being specifically without being specifically different from itdifferent from it

Acts of love (a predominance of Acts of love (a predominance of the heart over mind)the heart over mind)

The transition into this type of The transition into this type of prayer is normally gentle and prayer is normally gentle and gradualgradual

► Affective prayer flows naturally from Affective prayer flows naturally from MeditationMeditation the will is a blind faculty and needs the will is a blind faculty and needs

the intellect to present the the intellect to present the supernatural truth to it in order to supernatural truth to it in order to be moved to love itbe moved to love it

One should not abandon discursive One should not abandon discursive meditation too quicklymeditation too quickly► problem of source of illusionproblem of source of illusion► problem of wasting timeproblem of wasting time

One should let such movements One should let such movements happen but not force themhappen but not force them► one should stop reading/discursing one should stop reading/discursing

when some thought has stimulated when some thought has stimulated a movement in the will.a movement in the will.

►When the movement passes, one When the movement passes, one should again pick up the subject should again pick up the subject matter and continue matter and continue considerations until the next considerations until the next movementmovement

► Benefits of Affective PrayerBenefits of Affective Prayer gives a respite from the labor of meditationgives a respite from the labor of meditation keeps one from depending too much on keeps one from depending too much on

the labor of reasoningthe labor of reasoning deepens the soul’s union with God via acts deepens the soul’s union with God via acts

of loveof love thus all the virtues are increasedthus all the virtues are increased helps in exercise of virtue in view of the helps in exercise of virtue in view of the

consolation that the soul receivesconsolation that the soul receives disposes the soul for the prayer of disposes the soul for the prayer of

simplicitysimplicity

► DangersDangers forcing the affectionsforcing the affections attachment to consolationsattachment to consolations spiritual gluttonyspiritual gluttony spiritual slothspiritual sloth

Prayer of Simplicity (Simple Prayer of Simplicity (Simple Gaze, Acquired Recollection)Gaze, Acquired Recollection)► Definition: “a simple loving Definition: “a simple loving

gaze upon some divine gaze upon some divine object...it is a form of object...it is a form of ascetical prayer which is ascetical prayer which is extremely simplified” (Royo, extremely simplified” (Royo, 525).525).

It is a transition point from It is a transition point from active to passive prayeractive to passive prayer

As a result it is often mixed As a result it is often mixed with some infused elementswith some infused elements

The prayer is so simple, no The prayer is so simple, no method is neededmethod is needed

► DangersDangers One may end up not One may end up not

meditating when one is able meditating when one is able and thus waste time and fall and thus waste time and fall into spiritual slothinto spiritual sloth

One may fail to cease One may fail to cease meditating when prayer meditating when prayer becomes simplified and thus becomes simplified and thus resist the movement of the resist the movement of the Holy Spirit which is trying to Holy Spirit which is trying to lead the soul into passive lead the soul into passive prayer (St. Teresa of Avila)prayer (St. Teresa of Avila)

► Fruits of Prayer of SimplicityFruits of Prayer of Simplicity The effects are seen The effects are seen

throughout one’s entire lifethroughout one’s entire life One’s entire life is simplified One’s entire life is simplified

as is the prayeras is the prayer The soul experiences a deep The soul experiences a deep

recollection in God in the recollection in God in the midst of duties of life outside midst of duties of life outside of prayer timeof prayer time

The soul is disposed for The soul is disposed for infused contemplationinfused contemplation