The Kinds of Prayer


Part 2

There are two general kinds of prayer, mental and vocal.  The first consists in thought only, as when we think reverently of God, of His eternity, immensity, power, goodness, mercy, and the like; or whenever our mind dwells with pious reflection on divine things, such as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Sacraments, the Blessed Virgin or the saints, the future state of souls, heaven, purgatory, and the life to come.  The contemplation of God, of His attributes, or of any divine truths, which arouses pious affections or occasions good resolutions, comes under the head of mental prayer.  As we can reflect in our own way and with sentiments of love on the persons of our friends and relatives who are far away, as we can think of their qualities of mind and soul, of all they have done or been to us, so in our minds alone, without the use of words, we can think affectionately and interestedly of God and of divine truth; and this is what is meant by mental prayer.  No special method or system is required for this act of religion.  Neither is it necessary to single out mediation any particular divine subject.  Rather we should dwell on those mysteries which appeal to us most, and from contemplation of which we derive most spiritual fruit. Doubtless the life of our divine Saviour is the most attractive and fruitful subject of our pious thoughts, since it is the easiest to dwell on and the most universal in its appeal.

Vocal prayer adds to mental prayer the use of words, or external expression of our thoughts.  Its usefulness lies in the fact that it helps the mind to fix and hold attention, that it reinforces our thoughts thus increasing fervor and devotion, and that it joins the homage of the body to that of the soul.  Here again, for private prayer, no expressions are necessary, although the most beautiful vocal prayers are those which have been handed down to us from our Lord, the Holy Scriptures and the Church.


From Blessed be God