Father John De Celles

Whatever our religious background, prayer is central to a flourishing human life. 

At the same time, many sincere people struggle with the idea of praying. The first thing to remember is that prayer is nothing less than a conversation with God. So let’s consider how we have this conversation. 

To keep it simple, let’s think of speaking with God in terms of different kinds of conversation and the different forms it takes.

Kinds of Prayer 

The great spiritual writers tell us that there are four categories of prayer, or types of content, in our prayers. 

We should usually begin with the prayer of “praise and adoration.” This establishes in our hearts and minds the attitude of humility toward the greatness of God, and the incredible realization that He who is love, loves us without limit, and longs for us to love Him in return. 

The second type of prayer is the prayer of “petition”: that is, praying for ourselves, asking God to help us. The highest form of this prayer is the prayer of contrition, or asking for forgiveness. We also pray for His will to be done. And we pray for discernment, praying to know His will for us. 

The third category is the prayer of “intercession,” praying for others. This is a beneficial for us and very pleasing prayer to God, because it is great act of love of neighbor. 

The fourth type of prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving. Having asked Him for His help for us and others, now we thank Him for answering our requests, even if he doesn’t give us what we ask for, but what He knows is even better for us. 

Forms of Prayer

But how are these prayers expressed? The spiritual writers tell there are three or four “forms”  of prayer. 

Vocal Prayer

The most basic form that we all practice is called “vocal prayer.” This encompasses the prayers written by others (or even by ourselves) that we pray from books or memory. Examples include the Rosary and Our Father, and other ritual or formulary prayers. 

While the term “vocal” usually means “spoken out loud,” this form of prayer includes these prayers even when they are “spoken” interiorly, or silently. 

Vocal prayers are very important because while we might struggle to find the words to say, we can use the beautiful and instructive words of the saints or the Scriptures. For example, Our Lord teaches us: “you should pray like this: ‘Our Father who art in heaven…’”

Sometimes we say these prayers without as much devotion as we would like, but if we say them with good intentions, they still have merit. For example, when you’re afraid and quickly pray the Hail Mary, that draws your mind and heart close to her, and she hears you. 

Even so, you should strive to make the prayers your own and let the words move and teach your soul, and then express what is in your soul. Moreover, as we say these prayers we might find ourselves not thinking about the specific words, but allowing those words to guide our souls in a more interior form of praying. For example, you may not be thinking about what it means for Mary to be “full of grace,” but the idea can move you closer to Mary who is full of grace. 

Mental Prayer 

Mental prayer is praying without precomposed prayers. So we might call this informal praying, or praying in our words. This sometimes includes praying without words, but with thoughts that are difficult to articulate.

This can be difficult for some. Because of this, many people begin their time in prayer with vocal prayer, and then move into mental prayer. If you are uncertain what to say, then consider starting with the “kinds of conversation” we listed above: praise, petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. 

Meditation

Sometimes meditative prayer is considered a subset of mental prayer because it is done in silence and without formulas. But it also is more than a subset, involving not words so much as thoughts and, to a lesser extent, affections. One sets one’s thoughts on God and heavenly things; one focuses on understanding the mysteries of our faith, knowing God, and understanding His will for us.

This is more difficult for beginners in prayer. One way to begin is to sit or kneel quietly, recognizing God’s presence, and then saying vocal prayers or mental prayers, until you can more easily move into just thinking about what you have been praying about. Sometimes this can be assisted by reading from a holy book (e.g., the Bible), and then pausing at a passage that moves you to think about quietly. 

This also involves being open to the Lord’s movement of your thoughts or affections, so that while you probably won’t “hear” an actual voice, you will sense that God is trying to communicate something to you. 

Contemplation 

Contemplative prayer is the highest form of prayer. Although any Christian can achieve this prayer, many (most?) do not. It cannot be attained by any “method,” like “focusing on a word,” or “emptying the mind.” Rather it is the movement of the mind from thinking about and understanding God, to a focus on simply loving Him.

There are several different stages of contemplative prayer, but let me make two basic distinctions. 

The first type, “acquired contemplation” (also known as “simple recollection”), develops from meditation. Through acts of charity, reason, and willpower, and with the help of grace, individuals elevate their minds and wills to focus solely on loving God. 

The second type, “infused contemplation,” is a divine gift, not achievable through human effort. It bestows special insights upon the intellect and fills the heart with divine love.

So, remember: there are different kinds of prayer and different forms these kinds can take. These categories are meant to be helpful, but the most important thing is to persevere in praying. 

God himself if the best teacher (and conversationalist!). He himself will help you to grow in your conversation with Him.