Expressions of Prayer
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Three Major Expressions (2699)
Each believer responds to God's promptings according to his own prayer expression. There are three major expressions of prayer: vocal, meditative, and contemplative. All three are based upon vigilance in dwelling in God's Word and Presence.
Need for Words (2700-2702)
God speaks to us by his Word and our prayer takes flesh by words (vocal or mental). Most importantly, our prayer being heard depends "on the fervor of our souls" (St. John Chrysostom).
Vocal prayer is essential. Jesus prayed aloud in the synagogue and (as the Gospels show) he raised his voice in blessing and even in his agony.
Even interior prayer must involve the senses. We need to express our feelings externally and have our whole being participate in prayer.
Words - Beginning of Contemplation (2703-2704)
God wants worshippers in Spirit and in Truth, i.e. prayer rising from the soul's depths and expressed by the body. Vocal prayer (being external and so human) is readily accessible to groups. However, even personal prayer needs vocal prayer. We must be aware of him "to whom we speak" (St. Teresa of Jesus). Vocal prayer can become an initial form of contemplative prayer.
Meditation (2705-2706)
By meditation the believer seeks to understand so he can respond to the Lord. Attentiveness is often difficult and we can be helped by books (Bible, Gospel, spiritual books, the book of creation, and the today book of history).
As meditation confronts us, we discover the movements in our hearts. We then ask, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"
The Fruits of Meditation (2707-2708)
Christians have a duty to meditate regularly so they will be good soil for God's Word. Meditation mobilizes our inner faculties and deepens our faith to bring about conversion. Believers must meditate on the mysteries of Christ (as in the rosary), and then go further to a union with Jesus.
Contemplative Prayer (2709-2719)
Contemplative prayer is a "close sharing between friends, taking time frequently to be alone with him whom we know loves us" (St. Teresa of Jesus).
In contemplation, we seek Jesus in a pure faith and live in him. Although still meditating, we fix our gaze on the Lord.
Determination to Pray (2711-2712)
By a determined will, we choose the time and duration of prayer, not giving up prayer during trials and darkness. The believer can always enter into this inner prayer, independent of conditions (internal or external) and of emotional states.
Contemplative prayer is a "gathering up," a recollection brought about by the Spirit. By this awakening we enter into the presence of the ever-awaiting Lord. We give our hearts to the Lord to be purified and transformed.
The Child and the Sinner (2713-2714)
Contemplation is the prayer of the child and of the forgiven sinner who welcomes and responds to God's love. The believer returns the love given by the Spirit (for all is grace from God).
Contemplation is a humble surrender to the Father's will in union with Jesus.
Contemplative prayer must be accepted in poverty. It is a Covenant relationship, a communion in which the Trinity conforms the believer to God's image.
The Gaze of Contemplation (2715-2716)
In the intense moments of contemplative prayer, the Father strengthens us so "Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith" (Eph 3:16).
"I look at him and he looks at me" (a peasant at Ars). This gaze is a renunciation of self. It purifies us and teaches us to see everything in the light of truth. Contemplation turns our gaze to the "mysteries of Christ." It gives interior knowledge, "the more to love him and follow him" (St. Ignatius of Loyola).
Various Aspects (2717-2718)
Contemplative prayer is an active hearing and an unconditional acceptance of the Word of God. We participate in the "Yes" of Jesus and the "Let it be" of Mary.
It is "silent love" (John of the Cross). In this silence, the Father speaks his Word and the Spirit helps us to pray as Jesus did.
This prayer is one with Christ's prayer. Through it, the believer participates in Christ's mystery which is celebrated in the Eucharist and is made alive by contemplation.
Night of Faith (2719)
Contemplative prayer, if it abides in the night of faith, becomes a communion of love.
It passes through the agony, death, and tomb of Jesus' Passion. We must "keep watch with him one hour" (Mt 26:40).
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