Prayer of Recollection: Part I Preparation and Considerations
- Dr. Karen
- 11 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Summary: The Prayer of Recollection – Preparation and Considerations
This post introduces the Prayer of Recollection, a contemplative form of prayer described by St. Teresa of Avila and applicable within Ignatian practice. It focuses on collecting the faculties of the soul—memory, intellect, and will—into God’s presence through intentional stillness and awareness.
The preparation includes:
Posture – Sitting comfortably with the body relaxed and grounded.
Closing the Eyes – Reducing external distractions to increase inner awareness.
Quieting the Body – Practicing slow, deliberate breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and settle the body into prayer.
Quieting the Mind – Beginning with a prayer of self-offering, such as the Ignatian “Take, Lord, receive…” to surrender worries and concerns to God.
Noticing Mind Wandering – Recognizing mental distractions not as failures, but as natural brain activity and potential invitations to deeper conversation with God.
Attentiveness Through a Phrase – Using a sacred phrase (e.g., “My Lord and my God”) that affirms God’s constant presence and centers attention.
The post emphasizes that when emotionally charged thoughts arise, they may be points of encounter with God rather than distractions to be ignored. By bringing our full selves—body, mind, and spirit—into prayer, we open space for deeper communion with God.
The prayer ultimately engages the three faculties of the soul: memory (recalling), intellect (understanding), and will (choosing to respond).
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