The Ways of Mental Prayer
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.
- SKU:
- 95
- ISBN-13:
- 9780895551788
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Pages:
- 440
- Publication Date:
- 1/1/2009
- Product Format:
- Paperbound
- Pdf:
- https://tanbooks.com/content/0095_Preview.pdf
- Height:
- 8.00
- Width:
- 5.25
21 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Excellent instruction on meditation and prayer
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.
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Fast service.
Fast service.
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THE WAYS OF MENTAL PRAYER
We are using this in our continuing formation of Secular Carmelites. It is written clearly and starts at the very beginning for anyone. We will discuss it in our group and learn how to be more effective pray-ers.
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The Ways of Mental Prayer
Very Enlightening and recommended.
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Interesting
Interesting
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Excellent book on prayer
Excellent book on prayer
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Essential to Proper Spiritual Formation
Purchased 50 for my Newman center. One of the two books I would consider essential to proper formation (the other is the Catechism).
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A true aid in the way of prayer
This book has been of great assistance and inspiration in my prayer life. It has helped me to better approach God, create order with its methods especially on days where I am feeling scatter brained or uninspired, and ensure I am asking God for good things frequently.
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Traditional Roman Catholic Approved
I hope that Tan Books continues to provide these timeless gems
