Need help with meditation and mental prayer!!! - Page 2

fide · #16 May 23, '12, 4:58 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by trials

Big lesson I've learned that I must impart - having studied Teresa of Avila, the Doctor of the Church and one of the saints considered an "expert" on prayer. This may not even apply to you at all, but is just something I made a mistake with myself in prayer, so I will share it in the hope that it may be beneficial to you:
Don't become too bogged down or preoccupied with the idea of getting to the next level of prayer or attempting to be at a more advanced stage. Also be wary of anything you read which tries to bring you to a so-called "higher level" of prayer. Just my tuppence worth.

However, it is absolutely wonderful that you are taking an interest in your prayer life and how to enrich it and deepen it. What Teresa of Avila taught me is that only God can bring you to a deeper level in your prayer life, with your cooperation of course. It is not something we can achieve ourselves by our own efforts. Also, be prepared for the very boring dry periods in prayer, where you don't "feel" anything, for times when God "seems " distant, be prepared to find that things which might once have "worked" in your prayer life, now bring you nothing. Perseverance is really the key. No one method is superior to another. But what will prove that your prayer life is really having the desired effect is if you progress in holiness. That should be the fruits of a good prayer life - an increase in love of God and desire to do His will. So no need to be too concerned about methods, though it is as I said wonderful that you are desiring to come closer to God - there's that lovely New Testament verse "come close to God and He will come close to you" - but focus more on the results of your time spent with the Lord. Are you uniting your will with His, because that really is the essence of a fruitful prayer life.

"Trials", this is a very well-written and true post. Thank you for writing it - I hope many who are yearning to grow toward the Lord will read it, receive it, and be helped by it.

One book I'd recommend is The Ordinary Path to Holiness.

Samson01 · #17 May 23, '12, 5:54 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kadaffi20

Hello! I've just found out that you can advance in prayer and that there are different 'levels' of prayer.. The Purgative, The Illuminati and The Unitive.

Link here: http://www.scripturerosary.com/3_Way...OF_FULL_UNION_

It says that you advance in your prayer life you have to meditate and to use mental prayer..
My questions are:
1) Mental prayer is when you pray in your mind? In thought and not in words? Right/Wrong?
2) How do I meditate? I want to learn how to do it to draw me closer to God. I have a book written by James Finley. But it contains over 300 pages and English is not my native language so I find it pretty difficult to read that book..... Can anybody please.. Please help me with this? I really want to learn this, it is very important for me.! A small guide on Christian Meditation and how to advance in prayer using it..

I would be soooo happy if someone could please help me..

Thanks!! God bless!

Try to get used to talking with Him throughout the day. Sometimes He answers in the silence. I alternate between formal mental prayers and just talking. My kids are going to be off school for summer pretty soon and then i suspect it will be tougher to hold a conversation for lack of silence. Just be aware how He answers...don't be shocked. Samson

Kadaffi20 · #18 May 24, '12, 6:05 am

I've read through the 'material' given here in the answers, I am very thankful for the answers I have been given. But I still find it hard to understand this difficult question. I would need a good pdf packed with this subject, which is also hard to find.. Bible meditation? Anyone knows how to use it?

Thanks again.

randirhoades · #19 May 24, '12, 8:07 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by trials

Big lesson I've learned that I must impart - having studied Teresa of Avila, the Doctor of the Church and one of the saints considered an "expert" on prayer. This may not even apply to you at all, but is just something I made a mistake with myself in prayer, so I will share it in the hope that it may be beneficial to you:
Don't become too bogged down or preoccupied with the idea of getting to the next level of prayer or attempting to be at a more advanced stage. Also be wary of anything you read which tries to bring you to a so-called "higher level" of prayer. Just my tuppence worth.

However, it is absolutely wonderful that you are taking an interest in your prayer life and how to enrich it and deepen it. What Teresa of Avila taught me is that only God can bring you to a deeper level in your prayer life, with your cooperation of course. It is not something we can achieve ourselves by our own efforts. Also, be prepared for the very boring dry periods in prayer, where you don't "feel" anything, for times when God "seems " distant, be prepared to find that things which might once have "worked" in your prayer life, now bring you nothing. Perseverance is really the key. No one method is superior to another. But what will prove that your prayer life is really having the desired effect is if you progress in holiness. That should be the fruits of a good prayer life - an increase in love of God and desire to do His will. So no need to be too concerned about methods, though it is as I said wonderful that you are desiring to come closer to God - there's that lovely New Testament verse "come close to God and He will come close to you" - but focus more on the results of your time spent with the Lord. Are you uniting your will with His, because that really is the essence of a fruitful prayer life.

Thank you dear friend for this. I really thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm a simple person with disabling needs, mental and physical and reading about reaching higher levels of prayer made me stress a little and think I'm not going to reach those goals and then God will never...whatever I thought. Then I remember in the old Testament, those who believed in God, did they reach higher levels of prayer? I'm not talking about Moses or David, I'm talking about the others who believed. The other children of God? I feel like them.

I talk to Jesus all day long and when I think of something not pleasing, I ask forgiveness right away. I praise and thank Him for blessings no matter how small. I was taught good things come from Him, always. And I pray for others, you, and who needs it.

I have morning prayers and meditation, but if that is not enough, I'll do it.

I want a closer relationship and I guess we strive for that during our times on earth. When driving, I pretend I take Jesus's hand because I believe He's sitting in the passenger seat and ask Him to be with me and help the drivers who are cutting in front of me and driving at high speeds. And for me to be safe and them. (I say people who are careless when driving must not like their vehicles.

Now the silliest thing I do is when I fix something to eat, I'll ask Jesus if He wants some too. Glad to share. Kaboggling that's for sure. Or I'll make a place on my love seat because I'll talk to Him and ask if He's comfortable when I think He's sat down. I'll even get up and straighten a pillow for Him and ask if He wants it. Am I daft or what?

I'm daft. Just call me daffy duck.

Love ya'll,
Sheila is my real name.