Mental prayer, often referred to as meditation, is a form of silent, internal conversation with God. It's not just for monks or nuns but for anyone who desires a deeper relationship with God. Many saints have spoken about the incredible benefits of mental prayer and how it transformed their lives. Let's explore what they have said, and why this simple yet profound practice can be life-changing for anyone.
Why Did the Saints Devote So Much Time to Mental Prayer?
The saints understood that mental prayer is essential for spiritual growth. They often spent hours in prayer, day and night. This dedication speaks volumes about its value. St. Bonaventure, as quoted by St. Peter of Alcantara, offers a beautiful description of the benefits of prayer:
- Strength and Patience in Suffering: If you want to bear life’s difficulties with patience, be a person of prayer.
- Courage Against Temptation: Prayer strengthens us to resist temptations.
- Self-Discipline: It helps us control our desires and align our will with God's.
- Awareness of Evil: Through prayer, we become aware of the tricks of Satan and avoid his traps.
- Joy and Penance: Prayer can bring joy and help us walk cheerfully on the path of penance.
- Mental Clarity: It clears the mind of troubling thoughts and worries.
- Spiritual Nourishment: Prayer feeds the soul with devotion, good thoughts, and holy desires.
- Endurance in Faith: It keeps our faith strong and our hearts hopeful.
- Eliminating Vices: Prayer uproots bad habits and plants virtues in their place.
St. Peter of Alcantara adds that mental prayer purifies the soul, strengthens faith, and dispels sadness. It opens the mind to God's truths and fills the heart with divine love, driving out sin and igniting a desire for heaven. Such is the power of mental prayer.
What is Mental Prayer?
St. Teresa of Avila, known as the doctor of mental prayer, described it as a friendly conversation with God. She said it's like talking to a friend who loves us unconditionally. She believed that through prayer, we learn to find our way to heaven. It may take time to see progress, but persistence in prayer helps us grow closer to God. For her, prayer was not just a practice but a lifeline. Despite her struggles and distractions, she persisted, and God rewarded her with peace and joy.
St. Teresa warned against abandoning mental prayer because of perceived unworthiness or imperfection. She herself faced many difficulties in prayer, sometimes preferring severe penance over prayer. However, after conquering these struggles, she found great peace and delight. She emphasized that giving up prayer due to feelings of unworthiness is one of the greatest dangers to the soul. She encouraged everyone to persevere in prayer, no matter the challenges.
Why is Mental Prayer So Important?
St. Francis of Sales said that mental prayer brings the intellect into God's light and keeps the heart in His love. It dispels ignorance, purifies our desires, and refreshes our souls like blessed water. St. Philip Neri stated that a person without mental prayer is like an animal without reason; they stop living by faith and become a slave to their senses. St. Alphonsus Liguori added that those who practice mental prayer become models of humility, devotion, and self-control. Without it, they may fall into pride, vanity, and love for worldly pleasures.
The Effects of Neglecting Mental Prayer
St. Liguori explained that without mental prayer, the soul becomes dry and barren. The water of grace no longer flows, and virtues wither. Even those who recite the Rosary or other prayers but neglect mental prayer may find themselves still caught in sin. Mental prayer is "morally necessary" for those striving for spiritual perfection. While some may find it difficult, this is often due to neglect rather than inability. Just as we can reflect on worldly matters, we can also think about God and our eternal life.
Overcoming the Challenges of Mental Prayer
It is essential not to confuse difficulty with impossibility. If we can think about our work and everyday concerns, we can think about God. Mental prayer does not require fancy words or deep theological knowledge. It's a simple, personal reflection on God’s presence and love. We can use spiritual books to guide us, and with practice, it becomes easier.
St. Liguori advised starting with short periods of prayer, such as 30 minutes, and gradually increasing the time as we grow in spiritual strength. We should not be satisfied with doing the bare minimum but strive to deepen our relationship with God through prayer.
Examples of Saints Devoted to Prayer
Many saints dedicated a significant part of their day to mental prayer:
- St. Antony spent the entire night in prayer and lamented when daybreak interrupted his time with God.
- St. Rose of Lima prayed for twelve hours daily.
- St. Francis Borgia spent eight hours in prayer and always wished for more.
- St. Philip Neri often prayed through the night.
- The Rev. Fr. Torres encouraged his followers to pray for two and a half hours daily.
St. Liguori, after citing these examples, encouraged at least one hour of mental prayer daily. We may have many pious practices, but as contemplatives, we should strive to be closest to God in love and prayer. The world needs our prayers desperately, and through mental prayer, we can become powerful intercessors.
The Saints' Advice on Incorporating Prayer into Daily Life
St. Peter of Alcantara advised reserving special moments for prayer, especially during trials or distractions. After long journeys or exhausting tasks, setting aside time for prayer helps regain spiritual strength and focus. It’s not just about fulfilling a duty but nourishing the soul, repairing daily losses, and gathering strength for future challenges.
Conclusion: The Call to Become People of Prayer
We may wonder why we don't see as many saints today as in the past. It's not because we lack pious practices like fasting or chanting, but perhaps because we are not as dedicated to prayer as the saints were. They had their hearts set on heaven and trampled the world underfoot because of their deep connection with God.
If we want to transform our lives, overcome our struggles, and draw closer to God, we must make mental prayer a regular part of our daily routine. No matter our state in life, we are all called to this intimate friendship with God. Through prayer, we open our hearts to His grace and experience the joy and peace that only He can give.
So, let us take the saints' advice to heart and become people of prayer. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our souls but also become beacons of God's love and light to the world around us.
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