Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 75 No. 1, 2005.
Original scientific paper
Contemplative Prayer in the Experience and Works of St. Theresa of Avila
Franjo Podgorelec
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Calling on the experience of St. Theresa of Avila, the author aims to present her relevant intellectual premise concerning contemplative prayer. Firstly, an answer is sought to the following question: what is the purpose of contemplation and is it necessary? The saint's experience suggests her to be of a mature and virtuous life, and hence much sought after.
Subsequently, discussed is her understanding of contemplation as an essential experiential category, by which a person experiences God's active presence. The author reflects on her psychological profile as a surpassing of the discursive rational activity and individual acts of will during the prayer processes in a general loving attention.
All are called to contemplative prayer. Nevertheless, the fact that some do not reach these heights of prayer, is not foremost a question of belonging to a status of office, job or least of all, question of God's generosity. Instead, it is a question of a person's generosity in following Christ. However, contemplation itself can be of a greater or less intensity.
Finally, what are we to do to become predisposed for the gift of contemplative prayer? A gradual growth in virtues is the primary way. It is an indispensable and necessary condition, a prerequisite for every technique and method. Nevertheless, she recommends a personal method of attentiveness based on the fact that God dwells in the soul, which means consciously focusing and observing God in one's own heart, and allowing oneself to quickly and easily become conscious of God's presence, hence entering into an intimate discussion with him.
Keywords
contemplation; holiness; prayer; concentration; virtue; generosity; resignation to God providence; methods of prayer
Hrčak ID:
24688
URI
Publication date:
7.9.2005.
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