We are called to pray each and every day, to enter into conversation with God, but sometimes it can seem difficult to know what to say. How does one enter into prayer? Is it really as complicated as it seems? Fr. Gregory Pine O.P., offers us some simple instructions from the wisdom of St. Francis De Sales for lifting our heart and mind to the Lord and entering into that most necessary and important dialogue with our beloved
Learn to Pray like St. Francis de Sales
Transcript: Learn to Pray like St. Francis de Sales
The Salesian Method of Meditation, Summarized
Preparation begins by adopting a mental attitude or state which will be conducive to our entering into a meditative state. Begin by placing yourselves in the presence of God; and begin praying for assistance.
- Preparation: Visual Imagery (Anchor/Trigger)
- Considerations: Emotional Upwelling (Response from our Unconscious)
- Affections and Resolutions: Rational-Thinking (Formulating a Plan of Action/Exertion of Will)
- Affections and Resolutions: Action-Behavioral Modification (Adoption of New Behavior/Overlaying Old Behavior)
A similar pattern is repeated, in condensed form, throughout the Conclusion:
- Thanksgiving: Emotional Upwelling
- Oblation: Emotional Upwelling
- Petition: Rational-Thinking
- Petition: Action-Behavioral Modification
- Spiritual Nosegay: Emotional Nosegay & Behavioral Modification
Source: Fr. Gregory Pine O.P., Accession Presents, Learn to Pray like St. Francis de Sales, YouTube, October 13th, 2022
Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church 