The Grace of Contemplative Prayer, Part Three of Three

In the final segment of the three part series, Mark and Frances start with St. John of the Cross’s counsel on the attitude the soul should take during the transition to the beginning of the supernatural gift of contemplation. We then discuss different metaphors that may help one to understand what this is like. We then bring up descriptions of contemplation by our saints and others. Finally, what is the key sign that a soul has experienced the gift of infused contemplation? What are the general characteristics of this supernatural prayer? What are the four stages of infused contemplative prayer? What are the fruits of this gift of prayer? Finally, what are the eight practical steps a soul may take so as to live a more contemplative life and incorporate contemplative prayer?

Books:“The Practice of Contemplation According to John of the Cross” by James W. Kinn; ICS Publications.“The Collected Works of St. John of the Cross” translated by Kieran Kavanaugh, OCD and Otilio Rodriguez, OCD; ICS Publications.“Fire Within” by Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM; Ignatius Press.“What is Contemplation?” by Thomas Merton; Templegate Publishers.“Armchair Mystic: Easing Into Contemplative Prayer” by Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ; St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Scripture:Psalm 46:11Luke 11:9-13Jeremiah 29:11-14

Articles:“Transition from Meditation to Contemplation According to St. John of the Cross” by Father Laurian Zabalza, OCD

The Carmelite Conversations Podcast is an apostolate of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites community of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Dayton, Ohio. Discalced Carmelite Seculars are practicing members of the Catholic Church who, under the protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and inspired by St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross, make the commitment to the Discalced Carmelite Order to seek the face of God for the sake of the church and the world. For more information about Secular Carmelites, visit our website.