Mental Prayer

Mental prayer can be described as a form of contemplation in which one seeks to deepen their relationship with God through inward reflection, silent meditation, and attentive listening. This type of prayer involves focusing one's mind and heart on God's presence within oneself and in the world, and allowing God's love and grace to transform one's thoughts, feelings, and actions.

"Remember: the value of mental prayer is not measured by how many things we do. On the contrary: the closer prayer comes to that simple act of love, the more it is worth. Normally, too, prayer becomes more simple the further we progress in the spiritual life." page 57 of Time for God by Jacques Philippe

"St. Teresa of Avila says, 'In prayer, what counts is not to think a lot but to love a lot.'”

In mental prayer, Carmelites emphasize the importance of stillness, silence, and detachment from worldly distractions. They would encourage the use of Scripture, spiritual writings, and personal reflection as aids in this process of opening oneself to God's presence and guidance. They may also emphasize the need for perseverance and discipline in this type of prayer, as it requires sustained effort and practice to develop a deeper awareness of God's love and will in one's life. Ultimately, mental prayer is seen as a way of drawing closer to God, deepening one's faith and love, and growing in spiritual maturity and wisdom.

As I have mentioned previously, I spent years studying Tibetan Buddhism and strove for non-attachment.  In Catholicism, we strive for non-attachment however not in the same way.  Tibetan Buddhist strive to remove all attachments as an end goal and we strive to remove all attachments so that we can be fully attached to God.  

 Mental prayer is a type of contemplative practice that aims to strengthen one's relationship with God through inward reflection, silent meditation, and attentive listening. It involves focusing one's mind and heart on God's presence within oneself and in the world, and allowing God's love and grace to transform one's thoughts, feelings, and actions. Scripture, spiritual writings, and personal reflection can be used as aids in this process. Stillness, silence, and detachment from worldly distractions are emphasized, and perseverance and discipline are required to develop a deeper awareness of God's love and will in one's life. Ultimately, mental prayer is a means of drawing closer to God, deepening one's faith and love, and growing in spiritual maturity and wisdom.