{"num_reviews":20,"add_this":[{"service":"facebook","annotation":""},{"service":"email","annotation":""},{"service":"twitter","annotation":""},{"service":"linkedin","annotation":""}],"gtin":null,"attributes":[],"id":2360,"can_purchase":true,"meta_description":"Read The Ways of Mental Prayer by Rt. Rev. Abbot Dom Vitalis Lehodey, O.C.R., a Catholic book from TAN","category":["New & Popular/Bestsellers","Books/Topic/Prayer & Devotions","New & Popular/The Saints' Library"],"AddThisServiceButtonMeta":"","main_image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/2360/14684/the-ways-of-mental-prayer__67059.1744047530.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Ways of Mental Prayer "},"add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=2360","custom_fields":[{"id":"51654","name":"Author","value":"Abbot Vitalis Lehodey, OCR"},{"id":"51656","name":"Imprint","value":"TAN Books"},{"id":"51658","name":"Pages","value":"440"},{"id":"51660","name":"Publication Date","value":"1/1/2009"},{"id":"51661","name":"Product Format","value":"Paperbound"},{"id":"51664","name":"Pdf","value":"https://tanbooks.com/content/0095_Preview.pdf"},{"id":"67725","name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":"67727","name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":"67731","name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":"67734","name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":"67739","name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":"67742","name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"}],"sku":"95","backorder_availability_prompt":"","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-ways-of-mental-prayer/","description":"<style>\n #tan-product-description h2,\n #tan-product-description h3 {\n font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif !important;\n color: #870000 !important;\n }\n </style>\n<section id=\"tan-product-description\" style=\"font-family: 'Crimson Pro', serif; color: #262626;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\">The Ways of Mental Prayer</h2>\n<p style=\"margin: .25rem 0; font-size: 1.15rem; color: #555;\">By Abbot Vitalis Lehodey, O.C.R. · Published by TAN Books</p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Overview</h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>The Ways of Mental Prayer</strong> is one of the great classics of Catholic spiritual theology, offering a comprehensive guide to the interior life from the earliest stages of meditation to the heights of contemplative union with God. Drawing upon the wisdom of the Church's spiritual tradition, Abbot Vitalis Lehodey provides clear, practical instruction for cultivating mental prayer and progressing toward deeper intimacy with Christ.</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\">With pastoral clarity and theological precision, Lehodey explains the various forms of mental prayer, the ordinary and extraordinary ways God leads souls, and the common obstacles encountered along the spiritual journey. Whether readers are beginning a life of daily meditation or seeking a deeper understanding of contemplative prayer, this timeless work serves as both a trusted teacher and faithful companion in the pursuit of holiness.</p>\n<div style=\"background: #fdfcf0; border: 1px solid #d4af37; padding: 1.25rem; margin: 1.5rem 0; border-radius: 4px;\">\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; color: #870000; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"><strong>What This Book Offers:</strong></p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<li><strong>A Complete Guide to Mental Prayer:</strong> Learn how to progress from meditation to deeper forms of contemplative prayer.</li>\n<li><strong>Practical Spiritual Instruction:</strong> Clear methods for establishing and strengthening a daily life of prayer.</li>\n<li><strong>Guidance Through Spiritual Trials:</strong> Understand common difficulties, distractions, dryness, and temptations encountered in prayer.</li>\n<li><strong>Classical Spiritual Theology:</strong> Discover the Church's traditional teaching on the interior life and mystical union with God.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<ul style=\"margin: 1.5rem 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\">\n<li><strong>Develop a Habit of Mental Prayer:</strong> Learn practical methods for daily meditation rooted in Catholic tradition.</li>\n<li><strong>Grow in the Interior Life:</strong> Deepen your relationship with God through disciplined and prayerful contemplation.</li>\n<li><strong>Overcome Spiritual Obstacles:</strong> Gain wisdom for navigating distractions, dryness, and discouragement.</li>\n<li><strong>Understand the Stages of Prayer:</strong> Follow the soul's journey from ordinary prayer to mystical union.</li>\n<li><strong>Learn from a Spiritual Classic:</strong> Benefit from one of the Church's most respected guides to contemplative prayer.</li>\n</ul>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Intended Audience</h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\">This book is ideal for Catholics seeking to deepen their prayer life, seminarians, clergy, religious, spiritual directors, and lay faithful who desire a richer understanding of mental prayer and contemplative spirituality. It is especially valuable for readers committed to developing a disciplined interior life rooted in the Church's timeless spiritual tradition.</p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">FAQs</h3>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>What is mental prayer?</strong><br />Mental prayer is a form of interior prayer in which the soul meditates upon the truths of the Faith, listens attentively to God, and responds with loving conversation, leading to a deeper union with Him.</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Is this book suitable for beginners?</strong><br />Yes. While it explores advanced stages of contemplative prayer, Abbot Lehodey begins with the foundations of mental prayer and explains each stage with clarity and practical guidance.</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Does the book address common difficulties in prayer?</strong><br />Yes. It offers thoughtful guidance for overcoming distractions, spiritual dryness, discouragement, and other obstacles that frequently arise in the interior life.</p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.6;\"><strong>Who will benefit most from this work?</strong><br />Anyone seeking to grow in contemplative prayer—from beginners establishing a daily prayer routine to experienced readers pursuing a deeper understanding of the Church's mystical tradition.</p>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2; padding: 1.5rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.25rem; margin: 0 0 .5rem;\">Key Themes</h3>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem; font-size: 1.15rem; line-height: 1.5;\">\n<li><strong>Mental Prayer:</strong> Practical methods for daily meditation and interior conversation with God.</li>\n<li><strong>The Interior Life:</strong> Growth in holiness through contemplative prayer and union with Christ.</li>\n<li><strong>Stages of Prayer:</strong> From meditation and the prayer of quiet to mystical union.</li>\n<li><strong>Spiritual Formation:</strong> Overcoming obstacles and persevering in the life of prayer.</li>\n<li><strong>Traditional Spiritual Theology:</strong> Timeless Catholic teaching on contemplation and sanctity.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</section>","show_backorder_message":false,"tags":[],"warranty":"","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$14.97","value":14.97,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax","sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$14.97","value":14.97,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$24.95","value":24.95,"currency":"USD"}},"detail_messages":"","availability":"","page_title":"The Ways of Mental Prayer | TAN Books","default_shipping_expectation_prompt":"","height":"8.00","cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php","show_backorder_availability_prompt":false,"max_purchase_quantity":0,"show_quantity_on_hand":false,"show_default_shipping_expectation_prompt":false,"show_quantity_on_backorder":false,"mpn":null,"upc":"9780895551788","options":[{"id":4490,"type":"Configurable_PickList_Set","display_name":"Format","required":true,"state":"variant_option","partial":"set-rectangle","condition":true,"values":[{"id":8849,"label":"Paperbound","selected":true,"data":"Paperbound"},{"id":8851,"label":"eBook","selected":false,"data":"eBook"}]}],"related_products":[{"id":2341,"sku":"TE3656","name":"The Ways of Mental Prayer (eBook)","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-ways-of-mental-prayer-ebook/","availability":"","rating":0,"brand":null,"category":["eBooks","New & Popular/The Saints' Library"],"summary":"NOTE: This product is only available to customers located in the United States.\n \nThe Ways of Mental Prayer ranks as one of the Church's greatest classics on prayer, and was highly recommended...","image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/2341/14674/the-ways-of-mental-prayer-ebook__25521.1744047518.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Ways of Mental Prayer (eBook) "},"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/2341/14674/the-ways-of-mental-prayer-ebook__25521.1744047518.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Ways of Mental Prayer (eBook) "}],"date_added":"Jul 22nd 2020","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":true,"has_options":false,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":[{"id":43438,"name":"Product Format","value":"eBook"},{"id":43440,"name":"File URL","value":"0095-The-Ways-of-Mental-Prayer.epub"},{"id":65954,"name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":65955,"name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":65956,"name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":65957,"name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":65958,"name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":65959,"name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"},{"id":76404,"name":"Format","value":"Digital"},{"id":78270,"name":"SEARCH_IGNORE","value":"true"}],"num_reviews":0,"weight":{"formatted":"0.00 LBS","value":0},"demo":false,"add_to_cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php?action=add&product_id=2341","add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=2341","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.97","value":5.97,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$9.95","value":9.95,"currency":"USD"},"sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.97","value":5.97,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"}},{"id":1861,"sku":"1010-GROUPED","name":"Catechism of Mental Prayer","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/catechism-of-mental-prayer/","availability":"","rating":5,"brand":null,"category":["Books/Occasion/OCIA","Books/Collections/Booklets"],"summary":"\n\"Prayer is by nature a dialogue and a union of man with God.\" —from The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus (579–649)\nSt. Paul urges Christians to pray without ceasing. Our Lord Himself...","image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1861/15101/catechism-of-mental-prayer__41350.1744048334.jpg?c=1","alt":" Catechism of Mental Prayer "},"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1861/15101/catechism-of-mental-prayer__41350.1744048334.jpg?c=1","alt":" Catechism of Mental Prayer "}],"date_added":"Jul 22nd 2020","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":false,"has_options":false,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":[{"id":55610,"name":"Author","value":"Fr. Joseph Simler, SM"},{"id":55611,"name":"Imprint","value":"TAN Books"},{"id":55612,"name":"Pages","value":"82"},{"id":55613,"name":"Publication Date","value":"1/1/2009"},{"id":55614,"name":"Product Format","value":"Booklet"},{"id":62592,"name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":62595,"name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":62596,"name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":62597,"name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":62598,"name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":62599,"name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"}],"num_reviews":4,"weight":{"formatted":"1.80 LBS","value":1.8},"demo":false,"add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=1861","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$3.57","value":3.57,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.95","value":5.95,"currency":"USD"},"sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$3.57","value":3.57,"currency":"USD"},"price_range":{"min":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$2.97","value":2.97,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"},"max":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$3.57","value":3.57,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"}},"tax_label":"Tax"}},{"id":2730,"sku":"TE2535","name":"Catechism of Mental Prayer (eBook)","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/catechism-of-mental-prayer-ebook/","availability":"","rating":0,"brand":null,"category":["Books","eBooks"],"summary":"\"Prayer is by nature a dialogue and a union of man with God.\" —from The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus (579–649)\nSt. Paul urges Christians to pray without ceasing. Our Lord Himself told...","image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/2730/13985/catechism-of-mental-prayer-ebook__98183.1744046186.jpg?c=1","alt":" Catechism of Mental Prayer (eBook) "},"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/2730/13985/catechism-of-mental-prayer-ebook__98183.1744046186.jpg?c=1","alt":" Catechism of Mental Prayer (eBook) "}],"date_added":"Jul 22nd 2020","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":true,"has_options":false,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":[{"id":49202,"name":"Product Format","value":"eBook"},{"id":49210,"name":"File URL","value":"1010-Catechism-of-Mental-Prayer.epub"},{"id":58494,"name":"SEARCH_IGNORE","value":"true"},{"id":65942,"name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":65943,"name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":65944,"name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":65945,"name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":65946,"name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":65947,"name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"},{"id":76413,"name":"Format","value":"Digital"}],"num_reviews":0,"weight":{"formatted":"0.00 LBS","value":0},"demo":false,"add_to_cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php?action=add&product_id=2730","add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=2730","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$2.97","value":2.97,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$4.95","value":4.95,"currency":"USD"},"sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$2.97","value":2.97,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"}},{"id":1468,"sku":"1397-GROUPED","name":"Prayer to Saint Rita Prayer Card (Pack of 100)","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/prayer-to-saint-rita-prayer-card-pack-of-100/","availability":"","rating":5,"brand":null,"category":["Books","Books/Collections/Prayer Cards"],"summary":"Embrace the power of prayer with the Prayer to Saint Rita Prayer Card, now available in a convenient pack of 100. Each card serves as a heartfelt reminder of Saint Rita's intercessory strength and...","image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1468/16253/prayer-to-saint-rita-prayer-card-pack-of-100__13252.1746293103.jpg?c=1","alt":" Prayer to Saint Rita Prayer Card (Pack of 100) "},"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1468/16253/prayer-to-saint-rita-prayer-card-pack-of-100__13252.1746293103.jpg?c=1","alt":" Prayer to Saint Rita Prayer Card (Pack of 100) "}],"date_added":"Jul 22nd 2020","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":true,"has_options":true,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":[{"id":54954,"name":"Imprint","value":"TAN Books"},{"id":54956,"name":"Publication Date","value":"11/1/2008"},{"id":54959,"name":"Product Format","value":"Prayer Card"},{"id":62216,"name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":62217,"name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":62218,"name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":62219,"name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":62220,"name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":62221,"name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"}],"num_reviews":8,"weight":{"formatted":"1.00 LBS","value":1},"demo":false,"add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=1468","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.97","value":5.97,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$9.95","value":9.95,"currency":"USD"},"sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.97","value":5.97,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"}},{"id":3923,"sku":"SB1613-GROUPED","name":"Credo Prayer Book","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/credo-prayer-book/","availability":"","rating":5,"brand":null,"category":["Books","Courses/Programs/Credo","Books/Topic/Prayer & Devotions"],"summary":"\n\nCr","image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3923/12377/credo-prayer-book__06934.1767195093.jpg?c=1","alt":" Cover of the Credo Prayer Book "},"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/3923/12377/credo-prayer-book__06934.1767195093.jpg?c=1","alt":" Cover of the Credo Prayer Book "}],"date_added":"Apr 20th 2023","pre_order":false,"show_cart_action":true,"has_options":true,"stock_level":null,"low_stock_level":null,"qty_in_cart":0,"custom_fields":[{"id":56198,"name":"Imprint","value":"TAN Books"},{"id":56199,"name":"Format","value":"Paperbound"},{"id":56200,"name":"Author","value":"Dominican Friars Thomistic Institute"},{"id":56201,"name":"Pages","value":"157"},{"id":72066,"name":"atc-product","value":"1719"},{"id":72070,"name":"atc-product","value":"3193"},{"id":72075,"name":"atc-product","value":"3761"},{"id":72080,"name":"cpu-product","value":"1221"},{"id":72084,"name":"cpu-product","value":"4232"},{"id":72087,"name":"cpu-product","value":"3002"}],"num_reviews":2,"weight":{"formatted":"1.50 LBS","value":1.5},"demo":false,"add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=3923","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.97","value":5.97,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$9.95","value":9.95,"currency":"USD"},"sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.97","value":5.97,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax"}}],"shipping_messages":[],"rating":5,"reviews":{"messages":[],"throttleToken":"da003fdd-18b7-45fd-b7ca-001b11301e50","captcha":"6LdWf8gSAAAAAI83aRectJhbwidegZKk8PzWBltH","total":20,"end":12,"recaptcha":{"enabled":1,"public_key":"6LdWf8gSAAAAAI83aRectJhbwidegZKk8PzWBltH","markup":"<div class=\"g-recaptcha\" data-sitekey=\"6LcjX0sbAAAAACp92-MNpx66FT4pbIWh-FTDmkkz\"></div><br/>"},"start":1,"list":[{"rating":"5","title":"The Ways of Mental Prayer ","text":"Wonderful book! Very happy with delivery time and customer service \r\n\r\n","date":"Jan 29th 2026"},{"name":"Kelly","rating":"5","title":"Mental Prayer","text":"Excellent book and very helpful for something I struggle to understand and implement. I especially like the numerous quotes from saints and Church fathers in the original Latin with translation in footnotes. Highly recommend!!","date":"Oct 22nd 2025"},{"name":"Frassati","rating":"5","title":"Best Guide to Mental Prayer","text":"This is by far the most thorough and enlightening book I've read on the subject of prayer. The wisdom Lehodey gives in these pages is profound and accessible. Truly an invaluable resource for transforming your prayer life.","date":"Feb 26th 2025"},{"name":"Jenny Zoller","rating":"5","title":"Excellent if you are serious about entering the mental prayer routine. It is a precious guide to me who I am just starting on mental prayer.","text":"Magnificent. Please try reading it if your serious on entering this divine state of prayer.","date":"Oct 31st 2024"},{"name":"Maryann ","rating":"5","title":"Should be required reading for all?","text":"This is a treasure to be read, studied and savored. ","date":"May 20th 2024"},{"name":"Rita","rating":"5","title":"The ways of Mental prayer","text":"Very good resource","date":"May 7th 2024"},{"name":"Kile S.","rating":"5","title":"Life-changing book on Union with God","text":"This book is an excellent work on spiritual theology and will change your life on the importance of mental prayer, a loving conversation between friends as St Teresa of √Åvila describes mental prayer. We all need to be spending at least a half hour a day in mental prayer. He who does not pray cannot be savedùîSt Alphonsus Liguori, Holy Doctor of the Church. Mental prayer gives us the disposition necessary to receive great graces from God through the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady. Mental prayer is the source of our strength and prepares us for the eternal union of love where we will spend eternity in ceaseless communion with the Most Holy Trinity.","date":"May 24th 2023"},{"name":"Angela L.","rating":"5","title":"The Ways of Mental Prayer","text":"I would give it ten out of five if I could. This book is phenomenal, and EVERYONE NEEDS IT. It's informative, concise, thorough, well thought out and helpful. Most people in this area can find themselves assuming things, being misled or discouraged, which is why this book is so important. The knowledge is a must. St. Teresa lamented how much time she wasted by not being informed. Get this book so you don;t struggle with the same issue. You will only find yourself thanking God for having it. It will also be the only book on meditation you find yourself needing. It does indeed deserve that high praise. I cannot praise this book enough. God bless the author.","date":"May 24th 2023"},{"name":"JOSEPH P.","rating":"4","title":"Helpful and informative","text":"Took Fr. Rippergers recommendation regarding this book. It provides basic and helpful information which has helped me in developing the practice of mental prayer.","date":"Nov 12th 2022"},{"name":"JOANNE K.","rating":"5","title":"haven't yet begun but...","text":"This book came highly recommended. I purchased one for myself and one for a friend. We are going to read them together in the new year.","date":"Oct 22nd 2022"},{"name":"Gail G.","rating":"5","title":"I haven't read it yet,","text":"I haven't read it yet, just glanced at it and it looks amazing","date":"Oct 20th 2022"},{"name":"EILEEN L.","rating":"5","title":"Excellent instruction on meditation and prayer","text":"This book was recommended by Fr. Ripperger. I spend some time every few days to dive into the chapter. It is very helpful for me in advancing my understanding of prayer and meditation. I was never taught how to pray like this or to meditate in a purposeful way. I am grateful for this simple book.","date":"Oct 8th 2022"}]},"bulk_discount_rates":[],"meta_keywords":"Heaven on Earth,Spiritual life,meditation","show_quantity_input":true,"title":"The Ways of Mental Prayer","gift_wrapping_available":false,"min_purchase_quantity":0,"customizations":[],"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/2360/14684/the-ways-of-mental-prayer__67059.1744047530.jpg?c=1","alt":" The Ways of Mental Prayer "}],"width":"5.25"}
By Abbot Vitalis Lehodey, O.C.R. · Published by TAN Books
Overview
The Ways of Mental Prayer is one of the great classics of Catholic spiritual theology, offering a comprehensive guide to the interior life from the earliest stages of meditation to the heights of contemplative union with God. Drawing upon the wisdom of the Church's spiritual tradition, Abbot Vitalis Lehodey provides clear, practical instruction for cultivating mental prayer and progressing toward deeper intimacy with Christ.
With pastoral clarity and theological precision, Lehodey explains the various forms of mental prayer, the ordinary and extraordinary ways God leads souls, and the common obstacles encountered along the spiritual journey. Whether readers are beginning a life of daily meditation or seeking a deeper understanding of contemplative prayer, this timeless work serves as both a trusted teacher and faithful companion in the pursuit of holiness.
What This Book Offers:
A Complete Guide to Mental Prayer: Learn how to progress from meditation to deeper forms of contemplative prayer.
Practical Spiritual Instruction: Clear methods for establishing and strengthening a daily life of prayer.
Guidance Through Spiritual Trials: Understand common difficulties, distractions, dryness, and temptations encountered in prayer.
Classical Spiritual Theology: Discover the Church's traditional teaching on the interior life and mystical union with God.
Develop a Habit of Mental Prayer: Learn practical methods for daily meditation rooted in Catholic tradition.
Grow in the Interior Life: Deepen your relationship with God through disciplined and prayerful contemplation.
Overcome Spiritual Obstacles: Gain wisdom for navigating distractions, dryness, and discouragement.
Understand the Stages of Prayer: Follow the soul's journey from ordinary prayer to mystical union.
Learn from a Spiritual Classic: Benefit from one of the Church's most respected guides to contemplative prayer.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for Catholics seeking to deepen their prayer life, seminarians, clergy, religious, spiritual directors, and lay faithful who desire a richer understanding of mental prayer and contemplative spirituality. It is especially valuable for readers committed to developing a disciplined interior life rooted in the Church's timeless spiritual tradition.
FAQs
What is mental prayer? Mental prayer is a form of interior prayer in which the soul meditates upon the truths of the Faith, listens attentively to God, and responds with loving conversation, leading to a deeper union with Him.
Is this book suitable for beginners? Yes. While it explores advanced stages of contemplative prayer, Abbot Lehodey begins with the foundations of mental prayer and explains each stage with clarity and practical guidance.
Does the book address common difficulties in prayer? Yes. It offers thoughtful guidance for overcoming distractions, spiritual dryness, discouragement, and other obstacles that frequently arise in the interior life.
Who will benefit most from this work? Anyone seeking to grow in contemplative prayer—from beginners establishing a daily prayer routine to experienced readers pursuing a deeper understanding of the Church's mystical tradition.
Key Themes
Mental Prayer: Practical methods for daily meditation and interior conversation with God.
The Interior Life: Growth in holiness through contemplative prayer and union with Christ.
Stages of Prayer: From meditation and the prayer of quiet to mystical union.
Spiritual Formation: Overcoming obstacles and persevering in the life of prayer.
Traditional Spiritual Theology: Timeless Catholic teaching on contemplation and sanctity.
Author:
Abbot Vitalis Lehodey, OCR
Imprint:
TAN Books
Pages:
440
Publication Date:
1/1/2009
Product Format:
Paperbound
Pdf:
https://tanbooks.com/content/0095_Preview.pdf
atc-product:
1719
atc-product:
3193
atc-product:
3761
cpu-product:
1221
cpu-product:
4232
cpu-product:
3002
Height:
8.00
Width:
5.25
20 Reviews
5
The Ways of Mental Prayer
Posted by Unknown on Jan 29th 2026
Wonderful book! Very happy with delivery time and customer service
5
Mental Prayer
Posted by Kelly on Oct 22nd 2025
Excellent book and very helpful for something I struggle to understand and implement. I especially …
Read More
5
Best Guide to Mental Prayer
Posted by Frassati on Feb 26th 2025
This is by far the most thorough and enlightening book I've read on the subject of prayer. The …
Read More
5
Excellent if you are serious about entering the mental prayer routine. It is a precious guide to me who I am just starting on mental prayer.
Posted by Jenny Zoller on Oct 31st 2024
Magnificent. Please try reading it if your serious on entering this divine state of prayer.
5
Should be required reading for all?
Posted by Maryann on May 20th 2024
This is a treasure to be read, studied and savored.
5
The ways of Mental prayer
Posted by Rita on May 7th 2024
Very good resource
5
Life-changing book on Union with God
Posted by Kile S. on May 24th 2023
This book is an excellent work on spiritual theology and will change your life on the importance of …
Read More
5
The Ways of Mental Prayer
Posted by Angela L. on May 24th 2023
I would give it ten out of five if I could. This book is phenomenal, and EVERYONE NEEDS IT. It'…
Read More
4
Helpful and informative
Posted by JOSEPH P. on Nov 12th 2022
Took Fr. Rippergers recommendation regarding this book. It provides basic and helpful information wh…
Read More
5
haven't yet begun but...
Posted by JOANNE K. on Oct 22nd 2022
This book came highly recommended. I purchased one for myself and one for a friend. We are going to …
Read More
5
I haven't read it yet,
Posted by Gail G. on Oct 20th 2022
I haven't read it yet, just glanced at it and it looks amazing
5
Excellent instruction on meditation and prayer
Posted by EILEEN L. on Oct 8th 2022
This book was recommended by Fr. Ripperger. I spend some time every few days to dive into the chapte…