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
- 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
20 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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The Ways of Mental Prayer
Wonderful book! Very happy with delivery time and customer service
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Mental Prayer
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!!
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Best Guide to Mental Prayer
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.
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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.
Magnificent. Please try reading it if your serious on entering this divine state of prayer.
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Should be required reading for all?
This is a treasure to be read, studied and savored.
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The ways of Mental prayer
Very good resource
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Life-changing book on Union with God
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.
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The Ways of Mental Prayer
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.
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Helpful and informative
Took Fr. Rippergers recommendation regarding this book. It provides basic and helpful information which has helped me in developing the practice of mental prayer.
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haven't yet begun but...
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.
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I haven't read it yet,
I haven't read it yet, just glanced at it and it looks amazing
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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.
