What Carmelites Mean by "Mental Prayer"

The Foundation of Carmelite Spirituality: Interior Conversation with God

Mental prayer (oración mental) in Carmelite spirituality is interior prayer that engages the mind and heart in loving conversation with God. Unlike vocal prayer (reciting words) or liturgical prayer (public worship), mental prayer is personal, spontaneous, and relational. Teresa of Ávila famously defined it as "nothing else than a close sharing between friends... taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us."

Teresa's Definition: Friendship with God

Teresa's definition of mental prayer is one of the most quoted passages in Christian spirituality:

"Mental prayer, in my view, is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us."— St. Teresa of Ávila, The Life, 8.5

Notice what this definition emphasizes:

Friendship — Not performance, obligation, or technique, but relationship
Frequency — Not a once-a-week duty but regular, repeated encounter
Solitude — Creating space to be alone with God
Knowledge of being loved — Prayer flows from confidence in God's love, not fear

Mental prayer is not primarily about thoughts, techniques, or even words. It is about presence—being with the One who loves us and allowing that relationship to grow.

Mental Prayer vs. Vocal Prayer

Teresa distinguishes mental prayer from vocal prayer, though she insists both can be forms of genuine prayer:

Vocal Prayer

Praying with set words—the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Psalms, liturgical prayers. The words are given; the pray-er speaks them.

Example: Reciting the Rosary, praying the Divine Office.

Mental Prayer

Praying with the mind and heart—thinking about God, pondering His word, conversing interiorly. The prayer is personal and spontaneous.

Example: Meditation on a Gospel passage, silent conversation with Christ.

Teresa's insight: Even vocal prayer can become mental prayer when prayed with attention and love. "If while I am speaking with God I have a clear realization and full consciousness that I am doing so... then I am combining mental and vocal prayer." The distinction is not the presence or absence of words but the engagement of the heart.

How to Practice Mental Prayer

Teresa offers practical guidance for those beginning mental prayer:

Set aside regular time. Friendship requires frequency. Even fifteen minutes daily is better than an hour once a week. Choose a time when you can be consistent.
Find solitude. Physical solitude helps interior solitude. Go to your room, a chapel, a quiet corner. Remove distractions as much as possible.
Begin with awareness of God's presence. Recall that God is with you, looking at you with love. This is not imagination but faith—God truly is present.
Use a text or image to focus. Scripture, a spiritual book, an image of Christ. Let the content engage your mind and awaken your heart.
Think, but don't overthink. Reflect on what you read. Apply it to your life. But do not strain the intellect. Teresa says, "The important thing is not to think much but to love much."
Speak to God from the heart. Share what you feel—gratitude, need, confusion, love. Speak simply, as to a friend. There is no need for eloquence.
Listen. Leave space for silence. You may not hear words, but you may sense movements of peace, conviction, or desire. Note these without analyzing.
Close gently. End with a brief prayer of thanksgiving or petition. Carry the fruits of prayer into your day.

Common Difficulties and Teresa's Advice

"My mind constantly wanders."

Teresa struggled with this herself and called the wandering imagination a "madwoman of the house." Her counsel: do not fight the distraction aggressively. Gently return attention to Christ. Begin again without self-judgment. The effort to return is itself prayer.

"I don't feel anything."

Feelings are not the measure of prayer. Dryness is common and often purifying. Teresa says that God values the prayer made during dryness because it is offered purely from will, not from the sweetness of consolation. Remain faithful.

"I don't know what to say."

Start with what is true: "Lord, I don't know what to say. Here I am." You can also use Scripture as a springboard—read a passage slowly and let it prompt your conversation with God.

"I fall asleep."

Teresa admitted this happened to her. If it is occasional, it may simply mean you need more rest. If chronic, try praying at a different time, walking while praying, or using a more engaging text.

The Stages of Mental Prayer

Teresa describes a natural progression in mental prayer, though not everyone moves through all stages:

1. Discursive Meditation

Using the intellect to think about God, Scripture, and spiritual truths. This is active work, aided by grace. Most beginners spend significant time here.

2. Affective Prayer

As thinking gives way to loving, the heart takes over. Fewer thoughts, more affections—love, gratitude, trust, surrender. The pray-er speaks less and feels more.

3. Prayer of Simplicity (Acquired Recollection)

Even affections simplify. The soul rests in simple, loving attention to God without many thoughts or feelings. This is the threshold of contemplation.

4. Infused Contemplation

God acts directly. The faculties are gently suspended. The soul receives rather than produces. This is pure gift, not achieved by technique. (See From Images to Union.)

Important: These stages describe a general pattern, not a rigid ladder. The soul may move between stages depending on God's action and its own condition. Do not force progression.

What Mental Prayer Is NOT

Not mere thinking about God. It is not theology or study, though these can prepare the heart. Mental prayer is relational, not intellectual.
Not self-analysis. While self-knowledge is important, mental prayer is focused on God, not endless introspection.
Not a technique for achieving experiences. Mental prayer is not a method for producing consolations or visions. It is simply being with God.
Not something only monks and nuns can do. Teresa insisted that mental prayer is for all Christians. Anyone can learn friendship with God.
Not a replacement for vocal or liturgical prayer. Mental prayer complements the Church's prayer, not replaces it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should mental prayer be?

Teresa recommended at least one hour daily for her nuns, but she knew laypeople have different circumstances. Even fifteen to thirty minutes daily, practiced consistently, bears fruit. Quality and regularity matter more than duration.

Do I need a spiritual director for mental prayer?

Basic mental prayer can be practiced individually. However, as prayer deepens and unusual experiences may arise, a director becomes increasingly valuable. Teresa strongly encouraged spiritual direction for those advancing in prayer.

Is mental prayer the same as meditation?

In Carmelite usage, "meditation" often refers to the discursive, thinking stage of mental prayer. "Mental prayer" is the broader category that includes meditation but also higher stages. In secular usage, "meditation" often means something quite different—techniques for relaxation or awareness. Christian mental prayer is always relational: it is directed toward God, not merely toward inner stillness.

What if I'm not feeling close to God?

Feelings of closeness come and go. Teresa teaches that faithfulness during dryness is especially valuable. Keep showing up. Trust that God is present even when He seems absent. Friendship endures through seasons.

Can mental prayer be dangerous?

Basic mental prayer—thinking about God and speaking with Him—is safe for all Christians. Deeper states of prayer may require guidance to navigate safely. The main danger is spiritual pride or self-deception about extraordinary experiences. Discernment and direction protect against these.

Carmelite Mysticism — Overview of the Carmelite tradition.
Teresa on Inner Imagery — How Teresa used imagination in mental prayer.
Gathering the Faculties — Teresa's method for focusing attention.
From Images to Union — What happens when mental prayer deepens.
Discernment in Contemplative Practice — Essential safeguards for all prayer.