Mental prayer

Mental prayer is accomplished by internal acts of the mind and affections and is either simple meditation or contemplation.

[8] According to Lehodey, mental prayer can be divided into meditation, more active in reflections, and contemplation, more quiet and gazeful.

Early in the sixteenth century, the Dominican chapter of Milan prescribed mental prayer for half an hour during the morning and the evening.

"Friendly dealing" (tratar de amistad) is the literal translation of Teresa's definition of mental prayer, "Tratar de amistad, estando muchas veces tratando a solas con Quien sabemos nos ama.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes Teresa of Ávila as stating: "Contemplative [sic][note 1] prayer [oración mental] is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.

"He who neglects mental prayer," affirms Teresa of Avila, "needs no devil to carry him to hell.

Her fellow Carmelite John of the Cross also said, "Without the aid of mental prayer, the soul cannot triumph over the forces of the demon.

"[12] Subjects of meditation can be "some scene or mystery from the life of Christ, the life and virtues of Mary or the saints, a particular virtue to be acquired or vice to be uprooted, a truth from dogmatic theology, such as the attributes of God or the indwelling of the Trinity, the prayers and actions of the sacraments, the Mass, and the liturgy.

"[13] He gives the following detailed overview of the Carmelite method:[13] Francis of Sales advised: "Begin all prayer, whether mental or vocal, by an act of the Presence of God.