What is mental prayer? Is it merely praying silently in our minds instead of out loud?What is the “goal” of mental prayer?Why is it helpful to affix our minds on a holy mystery to aid in mental prayer?What is the difference between meditation and contemplation?How can we become more aware of God’s presence?What is your favorite form of meditation? Does it involve a book, rosary beads, or images? What do you find helpful in keeping your mind on target during these meditations? How is it possible to “hold one
hold oneself in great reverence when speaking to the Divine Majesty” without distractions and proud thoughts entering our minds?
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Jul 6, 4:31 PM
SrSusan (Guest): q What is mental prayer? Is it merely praying silently in our minds instead of out loud
Jul 6, 4:31 PM
Simone (Guest): Glad to hear Carol.. Angels come in a lot of ways
Jul 6, 4:31 PM
Dawn (Guest): Prayer for your sister in love…
Jul 6, 4:32 PM
Kathy (Guest): It is contemplating and meditating on the life and events of Jesus.
ul 6, 4:35 PM
Simone (Guest): I must say.. over the years.. I got really frustrated, tired… confused, etc.. to understand what the individual spiritualities mean with their different ways of naming different ways of prayer. For me.. mental prayer is now everything that is silent prayer – and not structured. But I think Kathy’s answer is the proper one
Jul 6, 4:36 PM
Simone (Guest): Every time I go to confession and speak about my prayer life.. and if I have a different priest.. we have to establish what we mean.. when we talk about mental and vocal prayer.
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Jul 6, 4:36 PM
Simone (Guest): sorry for the rant
Jul 6, 4:36 PM
Simone (Guest): I love mental prayer.
ul 6, 4:37 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. Hi Ruth!
Jul 6, 4:37 PM
Carol (Guest): Hi Ruth!
Jul 6, 4:37 PM
SrSusan (Guest): I alsothink of it as meditation, with or without a written guide
Jul 6, 4:37 PM
Kathy (Guest): I assume mental and vocal prayer can be done at the same time, such as meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, while saying the individual prayers out loud?
Jul 6, 4:37 PMCarol (Guest): It’s almost like learning a new language for every order
Jul 6, 4:38 PM
Dawn (Guest): When God communicates with us Mostly it is mentally.
Jul 6, 4:38 PM
Simone (Guest): exactly Carol.. makes it just difficult.. also in the writings
ul 6, 4:38 PM
Simone (Guest): Kathy.. what you are suggesting.. is a very high form of mental prayer I find.. my husband prays like this actually
Jul 6, 4:38 PM
Ruth (Guest): Hi, Was here when no one else was. Now playing catch up again. sorry.
Jul 6, 4:38 PM
Carol (Guest): Or contemplation, in which we are silent and Jesus is speaking
Jul 6, 4:39 PMSimone (Guest): my favourite kind of prayer.. contemplation
Jul 6, 4:39 PMSimone (Guest): well.. I actually do love Gospel meditations quite a bit too
ul 6, 4:39 PM
Simone (Guest): for me loud words are often distracting to my “loving on God”
Jul 6, 4:39 PM
SrSusan (Guest): In the old days the Superior read out “points” for meditation
Jul 6, 4:40 PM
SrSusan (Guest): not sure what that was tho
ul 6, 4:40 PM
Simone (Guest): St. Ignatius does that too – in His Spiritual Exercises
Jul 6, 4:40 PM
Carol (Guest): That sounds helpful
Jul 6, 4:40 PM
SrSusan (Guest): style in those days
ul 6, 4:40 PM
SrSusan (Guest): everyone meditated on the same thing at the same time
Jul 6, 4:41 PM
Carol (Guest): I think we do that at some meals in our minastery
Jul 6, 4:41 PM
Kathy (Guest): It could help keep your mind more focused and less tempted to wander.
ul 6, 4:41 PMSrSusan (Guest): like shared prayer but they did not share
Jul 6, 4:41 PM
Simone (Guest): oh.. I love that.. having a meal … and contemplate on a Gospel passage in silence with points..
Jul 6, 4:41 PM
Dawn (Guest): I believe Religious sisters, and Monks
Jul 6, 4:41 PM
SrSusan (Guest): q What is the “goal” of mental prayer?Why is it helpful to affix our minds on a holy mystery to aid in mental prayer?
Jul 6, 4:42 PM
Simone (Guest): I think – every prayer’s goal is to come closer to God
Jul 6, 4:42 PM
Carol (Guest): The goal is to let Christ touch us
Jul 6, 4:42 PM
Dawn (Guest): Have much to teach us of prayer , having committed their life to him
Jul 6, 4:42 PM
Simone (Guest): oh Carol.. that sounds so poetic. love it
Jul 6, 4:43 PMSimone (Guest): Dawn.. I am not sure if I understand
ul 6, 4:43 PM
Dawn (Guest): My post was broken up, no wonder. No worry
Jul 6, 4:43 PM
Simone (Guest): mental prayer is for me “soul to soul” time with God. or maybe better.. heart to heart time
Jul 6, 4:44 PM
Simone (Guest): I remember times.. a while ago though.. where just reading a paragraph in a holy book.. let me fall into mental prayer for quite a while.. Nowadays it seems that I have to aid some more mental contribution to it. but God still allows me to see His heart
Jul 6, 4:45 PM
Ruth (Guest): Simone,at 7:41, I think that is what Benedictines frequently or usually do at meals,or least some of their meals.
Jul 6, 4:45 PM
Kathy (Guest): Visualizing the events of the Gospels also gives us a deeper understanding of its message.
Jul 6, 4:45 PM
SrSusan (Guest): also used to be done in choir together
Jul 6, 4:45 PM
Simone (Guest): Ruth, I think several monasteries have this “ritual”.. I find it so wonderful
ul 6, 4:46 PM
Simone (Guest): choir.. is the place in a monastery where you meet to pray, right Sister?
Jul 6, 4:46 PM
Dawn (Guest): I first came to this chat room as I knew those religious having committed their life to God would have the most to teach
Jul 6, 4:46 PM
Simone (Guest): You are right Kathy.. it is amazing how we can experience a Gospel passage differently when we immerse ourselves in it
Jul 6, 4:46 PM
Carol (Guest): I have visited places that stopped doing it. I was expected to be a brilliant conversationalist, lol
Jul 6, 4:47 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes Simone
Jul 6, 4:47 PM
Simone (Guest): oh Carol.. and I am sure you are 
ul 6, 4:47 PMCarol (Guest): Not me!
Jul 6, 4:47 PMSimone (Guest): well.. you write very well.. that’s for sure
Jul 6, 4:48 PM
Carol (Guest): Thank you. Id probably have been fine if I had been allowed to talk about Jesus
Jul 6, 4:48 PM
Simone (Guest): thanks Dawn for clarifying – you are right.. we can learn a lot from those who have committed their lives to prayer
Jul 6, 4:48 PM
Carol (Guest): Please pray for me that I can write God’s words
ul 6, 4:49 PM
Simone (Guest): are you planning a writing project?
Jul 6, 4:49 PM
Carol (Guest): I was, but I’m stalled
Jul 6, 4:49 PM
Simone (Guest): I do remember now..
ul 6, 4:51 PMCarol (Guest): In mediation we focus on something as an aid. In contemplation we abandon ourselves to God in silence
Jul 6, 4:51 PM
Simone (Guest): Amen Sister
Jul 6, 4:51 PM
Ruth (Guest): This is my own idea but somehow I think.
Jul 6, 4:52 PMSimone (Guest): In meditation I initiate the heart to heart meeting.. In contemplation God initiates I find
ul 6, 4:52 PM
Ruth (Guest): That is pretty much what I was about to write, Carol, not from study as such but from practice.
Jul 6, 4:52 PM
Kathy (Guest): Contemplation is a silent mind. I think of the story from St. Vianney about the man who just sits in front of the monstrance, face to face with Jesus.
ul 6, 4:53 PMSrSusan (Guest): meditation can lead to contemplation
ul 6, 4:53 PM
Kathy (Guest): Contemplation is beautiful.
Jul 6, 4:53 PM
Carol (Guest): Great minds think alike Ruth
Jul 6, 4:53 PM
Dawn (Guest): Thank you Sr
ul 6, 4:53 PMSimone (Guest): quick mental side step.. our new church has currently no crucifix.. I really suffer with that.. BUT.. I start to realize how wonderful it is to focus on the tabernacle too.. A whole new feeling for me during mass
Jul 6, 4:54 PM
Ruth (Guest): Meditation has content a scripture verse and idea a picture perhaps whereas contemplation is more like just being with the one you love whole being once whole being being united without much effort.
Jul 6, 4:54 PM
Simone (Guest): Yes Sister Susan.. meditation can lead to contemplation.. in fact.. that is in built in the rhythm of Lectio Divina.. but most people skip the contemplation part
ul 6, 4:55 PMDawn (Guest): Helpful , Ruth!
ul 6, 4:55 PMKathy (Guest): Simone, I have gone after adoration and knelt in front of the tabernacle. Had some very powerful moments!
Jul 6, 4:55 PM
Simone (Guest): If I remember correctly- St. Francis was not really big on “praying without imagination”.. in a way contemplation— can you shed some light on this Sister maybe?
Jul 6, 4:56 PM
Kathy (Guest): Sometimes when meditating,
Jul 6, 4:56 PM
Simone (Guest): Thank you Kathy.. I am sure God met you beautifully
Jul 6, 4:56 PM
Kathy (Guest): Oops…
Jul 6, 4:56 PM
SrSusan (Guest): well I think he agreed with St Jane that Visitandines at least should make of their prayer a simple gaze on God
Jul 6, 4:57 PM
SrSusan (Guest): and he said being a ststue in a niche before God or something like that
Jul 6, 4:57 PM
Dawn (Guest): This. Sr, thank you.
Jul 6, 4:57 PM
Simone (Guest): I love the “gaze on God” prayer – the name itself helps me to pray like this
Jul 6, 4:57 PM
Carol (Guest): And He looks back at you
ul 6, 4:57 PM
Kathy (Guest): And it turns into contemplation, it feels like God wants me to be quiet.
Jul 6, 4:57 PM
Simone (Guest): I know .. so wonderful to sit under His gaze of love
Jul 6, 4:58 PM
Simone (Guest): yes Kathy.. like a quieting of the whole being, right?
Jul 6, 4:58 PM
Kathy (Guest): Exactly!
ul 6, 4:58 PMRuth (Guest): To bask in the SON!
Jul 6, 4:59 PM
Simone (Guest): that would be a great T-shirt for the summer Ruth!
Jul 6, 4:59 PM
Kathy (Guest): Love this Ruth!
Jul 6, 5:00 PM
SrSusan (Guest): How can we become more aware of God’s presence?
Jul 6, 5:01 PM
SrSusan (Guest): I’d say becoming still within and without
Jul 6, 5:02 PM
Simone (Guest): silence and solitude is very helpful
Jul 6, 5:02 PM
Dawn (Guest): Ask the Holy Spirit to come ..
ul 6, 5:02 PMKathy (Guest): I am overcome with emotion when He is there. Quietness usually brings it about.
ul 6, 5:02 PMCarol (Guest): To focus on Him, and also to be alert to His presence throughout the day
Jul 6, 5:02 PM
Simone (Guest): I have recently found God’s presence in beauty … very new to me
Jul 6, 5:02 PM
Ruth (Guest): I think it is easiest either in the presence of5(3 leased Sacrament OR when “soaking in” beauty in any of its presentations. That can lead back to the ONE who made all beauty.
ul 6, 5:04 PM
Ruth (Guest): ?,? Of the Blessed Sacrament
Jul 6, 5:04 PM
SrSusan (Guest): What is your favorite form of meditation? Does it involve a book, rosary beads, or images?
Jul 6, 5:04 PM
Simone (Guest): In the time when God spoke so much to me.. I describe it.. as ” he drenched my life with silence”
Jul 6, 5:04 PM
Kathy (Guest): Simone/Carol, like noticing the colors of an early morning sky, the flowers, and green grass? He gave us such a beautiful creation!
Jul 6, 5:04 PM
Carol (Guest): Great art stirs the soul and makes you look up
Jul 6, 5:05 PM
Simone (Guest): Yes Kathy.. my soul responds to the beauty of nature so much more recently than it has been in the past. Sometimes I am overwhelmed at the beauty of a flower
Jul 6, 5:05 PM
Ruth (Guest): I feel so blessed to live here in the Adirondack mountains.
Jul 6, 5:05 PM
Simone (Guest): God’s handiwork very visible all around you Ruth, right?
ul 6, 5:06 PMDawn (Guest): I imagine the Rosary but not only
ul 6, 5:07 PMRuth (Guest): Some neighbors seem to think that even while flowers along the road and trees on my property, are there to be plowed down But to me whatever the sea as weeds, I see as Gifts of flowers and fruit.
Jul 6, 5:08 PMDawn (Guest): I spent days in a mountain valley named The Smiles Of God. It surely was…
Jul 6, 5:08 PM
Simone (Guest): oh my goodness Dawn.. that is an amazing name
Jul 6, 5:08 PM
Ruth (Guest): Wild flowers.
ul 6, 5:09 PM
Simone (Guest): Ruth.. the way you describe it – reminds me of a mother – who looks at her child.. when everyone around just might see a failure.. or wild behaviour.. a mother always sees the potential –
Jul 6, 5:09 PM
Dawn (Guest): Sr, are you going to VA? Wonderful
Jul 6, 5:09 PM
Carol (Guest): And each flower, tree and all creatures have their place in the heart of God
Jul 6, 5:09 PM
Ruth (Guest): They see as weeds, I see as gifts.
Jul 6, 5:11 PM
SrSusan (Guest): That coulld be the week after next. Next week I may not be able to come here as our Federation president will be visiting.
Jul 6, 5:11 PM
Simone (Guest): ok.. so in two weeks..sigh….
Jul 6, 5:11 PM
Simone (Guest): but you said.. we can use the chat for ourselves a little while.. right?
Jul 6, 5:12 PM
SrSusan (Guest): I want to give you the backup site ****************************
Jul 6, 5:12 PM
Simone (Guest): oh yes.. thank you so much Sister
Jul 6, 5:12 PM
Simone (Guest): sorry.. for the side chat…
Jul 6, 5:12 PM
SrSusan (Guest): it won’t show it is is archivevispirit
Jul 6, 5:12 PM
SrSusan (Guest): then .org
Jul 6, 5:12 PM
Carol (Guest): I don’t know what i’d do without us
Jul 6, 5:13 PM
SrSusan (Guest): but dont put in “then”
Jul 6, 5:13 PM
Kathy (Guest): Sr Susan, I am thinking of visiting VA and/or AL this fall. Hopefully, I will get to meet you.
Jul 6, 5:13 PM
SrSusan (Guest): oh great!
Jul 6, 5:13 PM
Simone (Guest): Are we allowed to visit you Sister?
last q What do you find helpful in keeping your mind on target during these meditations? How is it possible to “hold one
hold oneself in great reverence when speaking to the Divine Majesty” without distractions and proud thoughts entering our minds?
Jul 6, 5:19 PM
Carol (Guest): Practice, practice, practice. Abd don’t expect to be perfect
Jul 6, 5:19 PM
Simone (Guest): perfect answer Carol..
Jul 6, 5:20 PM
Simone (Guest): I find an image of Jesus also helpful
Jul 6, 5:20 PMSimone (Guest): I find it helpful if I put reverence in my tone.. even in mental prayer.. if that makes sense
Jul 6, 5:20 PMCarol (Guest): Yes, remember to Whom we are speaking!
Jul 6, 5:21 PM
Simone (Guest): When I read the question in the Newsletter.. I was like ” proud thoughts” during prayer? I struggle more with feelings of inadequacy that distract me
Jul 6, 5:21 PM
SrSusan (Guest): even if proud thoughts enter, humble oneself at that time
Jul 6, 5:23 PMSrSusan (Guest): and brush away the distractions like flies
Jul 6, 5:23 PM
Carol (Guest): And remember all is grace. Even the desire to,pray is GRACE
Jul 6, 5:24 PMKathy (Guest): If your mind wanders, take note as to why. It may be something God is asking you to tend to.
Jul 6, 5:24 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes
Jul 6, 5:24 PMSimone (Guest): such a good reminder Carol
ul 6, 5:24 PMSimone (Guest): and yes Kathy.. God leads in the unexpected very much too
ul 6, 5:24 PM
Simone (Guest): and yes Kathy.. God leads in the unexpected very much too
Jul 6, 5:25 PM
Carol (Guest): Good point Kathy
Jul 6, 5:25 PMRuth (Guest): How can one Not! He simply IS all worthy! His word, if we get distracted can help. But I find that even just tuning over the distractions to HIM, that is, leaving them, sort of as the all you have at the moment as a sort of l gift” can transform even distractions into something good and useful for Salvation. Do not get too upset about distractions. He understands and can put them to good use, e.g., I’m teaching you something more about yourself.
Jul 6, 5:26 PM
SrSusan (Guest): great advice!
Jul 6, 5:26 PMKathy (Guest): Beautiful Ruth!
Jul 6, 5:26 PM
Dawn (Guest): Everything is grace. Lessons from the Visitines 🐦
Jul 6, 5:26 PMSimone (Guest): Wonderful Ruth! I hear your passion and your experience in it!
ul 6, 5:27 PM
Carol (Guest): We lift each other up as friends
Jul 6, 5:27 PM
Simone (Guest): oh ladies.. I have to say it.. I feel so blessed.. to be surrounded with so many women here who are so dedicated to love God. What a treasure.
Jul 6, 5:27 PM
Ruth (Guest): Kathy, I think you said it better than I did. Same general idea.
Jul 6, 5:28 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Yes real authentic spiritual women and I am going to miss you all but for sure I won’t forget and you will be in my heart and prayers
Jul 6, 5:28 PM
Carol (Guest): An we can revive a tradition and write letters to each other
Jul 6, 5:28 PM
Simone (Guest): I just said the same.. I feel so blessed. to be surrounded by so dedicated women.. who live to love God.. You are all a treasure to me
Jul 6, 5:28 PM
SrSusan (Guest): yes that too
ul 6, 5:29 PM
SrSusan (Guest): Have a blessed week and if I can be here I will but if not please carry on!
Jul 6, 5:29 PM
Simone (Guest): HAHA.. I did not see that the first was already written.. thought it got lost.. well double is better than none
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