OLL DAILY MENTAL PRAYER REFRESHER:
Carmelite’s  teach that daily mental prayer is an intimate, loving friendship with God. Grounded in the teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, the method emphasizes withdrawing from distractions, silently looking upon the Lord, and resting in His presence.

The Carmelite Method of Mental Prayer

While Carmelites emphasize that there is no rigid, step-by-step formula for prayer, saints like Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross generally recommend the following rhythmic flow:

Preparation: Find a quiet space and take time to withdraw from your daily routine. Acknowledge that you are in the presence of God.

Spiritual Reading: Never begin without reading a short passage (e.g., from the Gospels or a spiritual text) to focus the mind and warm the heart.

Meditation: Reflect briefly on the scripture you just read to understand its meaning and apply it to your life.

Conversation & Affection: Move from using the mind to engaging the heart. Speak to Jesus simply, sharing your struggles, gratitude, and desires as you would with a close friend.

Looking upon Him (Recollection): When you feel God's presence, stop the "work" of thinking and simply gaze at Him.

Resolution & Offering: Conclude by offering your day to God and making a specific, tangible resolution to practice virtue.

Helpful Resources for Your Practice

Foundational Texts: Dive deeper by exploring classics such as The Way of Perfection and The Life by St. Teresa of Ávila, or Into the Deep by Dan Burke.

"Jesus, We Trust in You!"