CANADA
Discalced Carmelite Secular Order Canada OCDS
Discalced Carmelite Secular Order Canada OCDS
Discalced Carmelite Secular Order Canada OCDS
Discalced Carmelite Secular Order Canada OCDS
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OCDS
OCDS
OCDS
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OCDS
The Prayer of Loving Attention
"Our greatest need is to be silent before this great God with the appetite and with the tongue, for the only language he hears is the silent language of love."
- St. John of the Cross
No Universal Method
John did not teach a universal method of prayer to be used by everyone because he knew that “God leads each one along different paths so that hardly one spirit will be found like another in eve method of procedure” (Living Flame 5.99).
John understood that everyone approaches prayer with a certain peace, freedom, and knowledge that “if anyone is seeking God, the Beloved is seeking that person much more” (Living F228. prayer, more than being a wok chat a person does, is a loving response to the God who loves everyone. Ultimately, God “is the principal agent in the matter” (Living Flame 3.29).
A Loving Inflow of God
John’s focus was to guide souls to contemplation, a type of prayer which he defines as “a secret and peaceful and loving inflow of God” (Dark Night 1.10.6), or a passive reception of “God’s self-communication” (Ascent 2.14.12). This is a simple, yet profound encounter in which a person comes into direct contact with God in the most intimate part of his soul and is transformed by His love.
When a person is responding to God’s invitation to contemplation, the more active forms of his prayer give way to a simpler way of praying. A person finds himself incapable of and no longer desiring to pray in the way he used to. Instead, he only wants to sit peacefully and silently in the presence of God (see Ascent 2.13) Before, the person was working with his mind or imagination to receive the graces God was offering. Now, this work seems futile, for God has become the primary actor in his prayer.
Responding to God’s Invitation
It is here, when the soul is being invited by God into contemplation, that John offers not so much a method of prayer but an attitude or disposition to bring to prayer. He refers to this disposition by various names throughout his writing: “loving attentiveness,” “simple, loving awareness, or “passive loving attention.” Although John presents this disposition to souls whom God is beginning to place in contemplation, its general qualities of receptivity, simplicity, and patience can be applied more universally to all types of prayer.
Being Present
to God
There may come a time when you find that you cannot pray actively as you once did. Active forms of prayer like lectio divina, imaginative prayer, or the rosary may seem laborious or difficult. Instead, your desire to pray is simply a desire to dwell silently in God’s presence. This may be a sign that God is inviting you to the prayer of loving attention. During the prayer of loving attention, you set aside active forms of prayer, and choose not to work with your mind or imagination. Instead, you choose simply to be present to God who is present within you, not so much by thinking about him, but by loving him and receiving his love. If you find that your mind begins to wander during contemplative prayer, gently make an act of love in choosing to return your awareness to God’s loving presence.
Reminders
Contemplation is the work of God
Contemplation is the work of God, not something we can achieve by our own efforts. The prayer loving attention is a response to God’s invitation to a quieter, simpler form of prayer. John of the Cross tells us that “meditation must be discontinued only when the soul is placed in that peace and quietude” (Ascent 2.13.2). As long as we continue to draw fruit and satisfaction from more active forms of prayer (such as lectio divina, imaginative prayer, devotions, etc.), we should continue in these valuable practices.
Dryness and distractions are normal
Dryness and distractions are normal, even within this state of quiet and peace. John writes, “I am not affirming that the imagination will cease to come and go-even in deep recollection it usually wanders free” (Ascent 2.13.3). Our distractions do not limit God’s ability to work within us as long as we continue, to the best of our abilities, to offer him our love.
The usefulness of a spiritual director
A spiritual director or confessor who is knowledgeable about contemplative prayer can help us to discern more objectively the ways in which God is guiding us in prayer. The sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession are essential supports in this spiritual journey.