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The Ways of Mental Prayer with Introductory Letter by Pope Pius X
Dom Vital Lehodey was the fourth abbot of the Trappist monastery of Notre-Dame-de-Grace in Bricquebec, Normandy, France. In THE WAYS OF MENTAL PRAYER he offers a systematic presentation of the teachings on contemplative prayer of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Francis of Sales, St. Alphonsus of Liguori, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, and many more. Part One introduces the reader to contemplative or "mental" prayer. Part Two gives instructions for discursive meditation, affective prayer, and the prayer of simplicity. "As time goes on," writes the author, "and we make progress, we shall feel drawn to a more simple form of prayer, in which the mind begins to be silent in order to let the heart speak." Part Three describes the mystical states of quiet and union, and gives practical advice for those graced with these higher forms of prayer.
276 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1924
319 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Vitalis Lehodey
3 books15 followersRt. Reverend Dom Vitalis Lehodey, O.C.R. was ordained priest on Dec. 18, 1880 in Coutances; he began monastic life on July 28, 1890 in Bricquebec. He was elected elected abbot of Bricquebec on July 8, 1895. He died on May 6 1948.
He admitted in his preface to Holy Abandonment that many other books on the subject have already been written. He went on to say, however, that every author who wrote on the spiritual life naturally discussed the topic of Conformity to God's Will. His intent with Holy Abandonment was to provide a work both theoretic and practical to offer a solution to the problems of our times. Dom Lehodey also expressed his mission to contribute something, even if it were little, to the ineffable glory of God. The book was originally published in 1934 and received the Nihil Obstat, Imprimatur and Imprimi Potest from Fathers Daly and Smets as well as from the Bishop of Waterford in the 1930s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 16, 2015
I am changing the designation of this book to 'reference' as I don't ever expect to be finished reading this! For my GR's shelving purposes, 'reference' books never get a specific date-finished as I never really 'finish' with them.
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Have read parts of this off and on for the past couple of years. I hope to work at it more diligently. Perhaps one could just read this book, but I think the whole point is to learn 'the ways of mental prayer' so as to begin practicing the disciplines described by the author.
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Recommended by Brother André Marie in his 8 CD series on The Practice of Mental Prayer some of which is found in this on-line article.
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Have read parts of this off and on for the past couple of years. I hope to work at it more diligently. Perhaps one could just read this book, but I think the whole point is to learn 'the ways of mental prayer' so as to begin practicing the disciplines described by the author.
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Recommended by Brother André Marie in his 8 CD series on The Practice of Mental Prayer some of which is found in this on-line article.
December 22, 2017
My Synopsis: This book is worth reading, however it requires persistence and it addresses the ways of prayer. It isn't a methodology book as much as a guide book to describe where one is so a given person could see where he or she needs to go. I'd say that this book should be read a 2nd time and one may even want to summarize it so that what is learned can be put into practical practice. I may start reading it a second time. It is a discourse that borrows heavily from St. Theresa de Avila and St. John of the Cross, however other writers and saints are also referred to in order to create a good synthesis.
St. Alphonsus:For me personally, this book led me to reading St. Alphonsus Liguori because it had mentioned St. Alphonsus in a footnote. Consequently, I now have a great affection for St. Alphonsus and I'm trying to plug away at some of his books and sermons. I started with Preparation for Death and have worked my way over to other works.
Conversion and Prayer:There is a great deal that can be discussed, yet I want to quote pg. 376, "According to St. John of the Cross, "certain lights and divine touches so enrich the soul, that a single one of them is able to deliver her at once from the imperfections she had not been able to get rid of during her whole previous life, and to endow her besided with virtues and divine gifts." Here, the abbot gets at the heart of things for men - the need for conversion. The Sacred Scriptures promise us that we won't be tempted beyond our abilities to resist and they promise the Holy Spirit. Prayer gives us a means of conversion and certitude in this world. The abbot consistently reiterated that God gives only as He wishes. Prayer is a sort of tool and not an end in itself. We need to judge prayer by its effects on us. If God gives, it is for the end of our conversion.
St. Alphonsus:For me personally, this book led me to reading St. Alphonsus Liguori because it had mentioned St. Alphonsus in a footnote. Consequently, I now have a great affection for St. Alphonsus and I'm trying to plug away at some of his books and sermons. I started with Preparation for Death and have worked my way over to other works.
Conversion and Prayer:There is a great deal that can be discussed, yet I want to quote pg. 376, "According to St. John of the Cross, "certain lights and divine touches so enrich the soul, that a single one of them is able to deliver her at once from the imperfections she had not been able to get rid of during her whole previous life, and to endow her besided with virtues and divine gifts." Here, the abbot gets at the heart of things for men - the need for conversion. The Sacred Scriptures promise us that we won't be tempted beyond our abilities to resist and they promise the Holy Spirit. Prayer gives us a means of conversion and certitude in this world. The abbot consistently reiterated that God gives only as He wishes. Prayer is a sort of tool and not an end in itself. We need to judge prayer by its effects on us. If God gives, it is for the end of our conversion.
October 26, 2014
This book I read on and off for about a year, yet this book is most impressive in its scope on the ways of mental prayer, this is a book though that I believe you will need to read in bits and piece, incrementally letting it digest in your mind and heart because it is indeed a profound manual on deeper forms of prayer.
When I was younger, I thought prayer was simply vocal prayer, but after reading this book all I can say is, don't let people tell you that prayer must always and only involves ones mouth, its not true, and not only is it not true it is also the lowest kind of prayer there is too.
The conclusion of the book (which is literally only a few pages long) succinctly describes the whole book, so perhaps read the conclusion and the introduction together, as you progress from prayer that one could describe as a meditation to whats called affective prayer, only then to be given the graces of contemplation, which is not so much you putting in the effort to pray but rather God beginning to pray in you and transform you.
When I was younger, I thought prayer was simply vocal prayer, but after reading this book all I can say is, don't let people tell you that prayer must always and only involves ones mouth, its not true, and not only is it not true it is also the lowest kind of prayer there is too.
The conclusion of the book (which is literally only a few pages long) succinctly describes the whole book, so perhaps read the conclusion and the introduction together, as you progress from prayer that one could describe as a meditation to whats called affective prayer, only then to be given the graces of contemplation, which is not so much you putting in the effort to pray but rather God beginning to pray in you and transform you.
December 8, 2021
A compendium of all levels of prayer based on the writings of saints, such as St. Teresa de Avila, St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The author, Dom Lehodey himself is an abbot of a Cistercian monastery.
This may not be the best book for beginners but I do recommend to all so that they may understand and be able develop their interior/spiritual lives to the degree in which God calls them.
This book will be a constant reference for me in my life of prayer.
This may not be the best book for beginners but I do recommend to all so that they may understand and be able develop their interior/spiritual lives to the degree in which God calls them.
This book will be a constant reference for me in my life of prayer.
March 28, 2024
This was a dense and difficult read, but it was fantastic. My first thought as I finished was how much I wanted to go back and read it again, because it made the various levels of prayer (all the way up to the transforming union) within the realm of possibility. Which was really exciting! The fifteen minutes or so per day that I took to read through this slowly over the past four and half months was not only educational, but good material for meditation. It's not for everybody, but I am so very grateful to have received the recommendation.
***
The above was written the first time I read it. Six years later, and I returned to read it a second time, this time over the course of about a year. I now consider it one of my top ten most influential books l have ever read. I read a couple of pages per night and then take it to meditation right before I go to sleep. He’s a fantastic combination of solid teaching without hitting one over the head with a brick about his instructions.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a ploughing-through-it-in-a-weekend kind of a read, nor is it something to take to the beach. But as a means to unlocking the nearly lost art of advanced prayer? It’s one of the best.
***
The above was written the first time I read it. Six years later, and I returned to read it a second time, this time over the course of about a year. I now consider it one of my top ten most influential books l have ever read. I read a couple of pages per night and then take it to meditation right before I go to sleep. He’s a fantastic combination of solid teaching without hitting one over the head with a brick about his instructions.
I wouldn’t recommend this as a ploughing-through-it-in-a-weekend kind of a read, nor is it something to take to the beach. But as a means to unlocking the nearly lost art of advanced prayer? It’s one of the best.
December 5, 2020
In short: A treasure full of wisdom about mental prayer, but too advanced for me.
Since this book is 440 pages long (408 without the prefaces), I thought it would be a great idea to read it slowly during Lent, just a couple of pages a day. And I did pick it as my Lenten read this year, but have only finished it now, three weeks after Easter.
The first half of the book was a breeze to get through, a very pleasurable read and with many great quotes to underline or mark. The second half was much more dense and difficult, but also dry and tedious to finish (which is why it took me so long).
This book describes the various stages of mental prayer and all it's benefits and difficulties, summarising the greatest of authors on this topic, like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, but also lesser known ones. It is not a very practical methodology book, it rather describes the stages of mental prayer, the gifts that come with them, as well as the struggles one can encounter with them.
For me it was too much, but this doesn't mean this is a bad book - it is objectively great, the content deserves five stars. Perhaps I have just read it at the wrong moment, because I am not as advanced in the spiritual life as 19th-century Cistercian monks, towards which this book was originally aimed at when it was written.
I would recommend it to people who are more advanced in the spiritual life, and especially monks and nuns. I also believe that it is probably better to acquire this book alone, and focus entirely on it, reading it slowly, rather than acquiring the various medieval spiritual classics, because this book summarises the thoughts of many of the greatest authors on that topic very well.
One final thing I also want to comment on is the TAN Books paperback edition I own - the format, binding and font are fantastic, a real typographical pleasure. It also features an endorsement letter by none other than Pope St. Pius X. in both the original Latin and translated English on the first pages of the book. I really care about these things, I only want to spend my money on nicely done editions, and this one is top-notch.
Since this book is 440 pages long (408 without the prefaces), I thought it would be a great idea to read it slowly during Lent, just a couple of pages a day. And I did pick it as my Lenten read this year, but have only finished it now, three weeks after Easter.
The first half of the book was a breeze to get through, a very pleasurable read and with many great quotes to underline or mark. The second half was much more dense and difficult, but also dry and tedious to finish (which is why it took me so long).
This book describes the various stages of mental prayer and all it's benefits and difficulties, summarising the greatest of authors on this topic, like St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila, but also lesser known ones. It is not a very practical methodology book, it rather describes the stages of mental prayer, the gifts that come with them, as well as the struggles one can encounter with them.
For me it was too much, but this doesn't mean this is a bad book - it is objectively great, the content deserves five stars. Perhaps I have just read it at the wrong moment, because I am not as advanced in the spiritual life as 19th-century Cistercian monks, towards which this book was originally aimed at when it was written.
I would recommend it to people who are more advanced in the spiritual life, and especially monks and nuns. I also believe that it is probably better to acquire this book alone, and focus entirely on it, reading it slowly, rather than acquiring the various medieval spiritual classics, because this book summarises the thoughts of many of the greatest authors on that topic very well.
One final thing I also want to comment on is the TAN Books paperback edition I own - the format, binding and font are fantastic, a real typographical pleasure. It also features an endorsement letter by none other than Pope St. Pius X. in both the original Latin and translated English on the first pages of the book. I really care about these things, I only want to spend my money on nicely done editions, and this one is top-notch.
April 2, 2020
I knew I would enjoy this book and I was not wrong. This work of genius compiles the experiences of Saints and Patriarchs about prayer and organizes them into a digestible outline. Even the most seasoned spiritual warrior can find something to sink their teeth into here. My attention was drawn more than once to something, I knew but hadn't fully realized. I feel like in many ways this book assumes without irony the affectionate generosity that should be in every virgin/poor heart. Some points however I have to take a little issue with: Despite the agreeableness of the book part of me chaffed at his exacting methodology for prayer (just as the author knew some would). I don't think you can tell folk, exactly what they will find in prayer. Honestly, I don't want to know. I enjoy being the Dr. Livingston of my soul. Some of his methods, like preparing material for prayer before bed, I did not find helpful. Occasionally, I disagreed with his calls. I suspect St. John Paul and David, would have considered the idea of praying too long a little strange. It depends on the person. This is the rub about it, you can't completely predict how God will act on individual souls. Part of me feels a strange aversion to reading about prayer. Its like reading about kissing or about nursing.
April 3, 2023
Beautiful.
I found this book at times *quite* challenging. In fact, several times, I almost gave up.
It starts with prayer, mental prayer, and then ascends up the spiritual ladder of prayer, and journeying through what St. Teresa of Avila refers to as the spiritual mansions— mystical prayer.
Heavy stuff.
Sooo, in other words, it didn’t take long for the book to go from words of wisdom to help me advance my prayer life to really advancing far beyond me. And so, it got harder to read, but I am glad I kept with it because it was also so beautiful. I loved how the book drew upon the lives of several saints, St. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, etc… to help highlight mystical prayer and the Divine Life.
Humbling. Powerful. A beautiful reminder of the enormity of the Faith, the depth and richness of the spiritual life, and divine intimacy. But definitely a challenge (for me).
I found this book at times *quite* challenging. In fact, several times, I almost gave up.
It starts with prayer, mental prayer, and then ascends up the spiritual ladder of prayer, and journeying through what St. Teresa of Avila refers to as the spiritual mansions— mystical prayer.
Heavy stuff.
Sooo, in other words, it didn’t take long for the book to go from words of wisdom to help me advance my prayer life to really advancing far beyond me. And so, it got harder to read, but I am glad I kept with it because it was also so beautiful. I loved how the book drew upon the lives of several saints, St. Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, etc… to help highlight mystical prayer and the Divine Life.
Humbling. Powerful. A beautiful reminder of the enormity of the Faith, the depth and richness of the spiritual life, and divine intimacy. But definitely a challenge (for me).
July 22, 2020
Lehodey, where have you been all my life?! Fr. Chad Ripperger on YouTube mentioned that if you want to learn how to pray, this tome is your step by step. I saw the 500+ pager from 100+ years ago and couldn't muster the stamina to read it visually. Thank God the Priory Librarian YouTube channel has this book in 14 videos! The friar who reads this to you goes at a meditative pace, which was perfect for listening while running, commuting, housecleaning, etc. I went from "cover to cover" in 3 weeks. What a gem! I'll want to refer back to this book every few years. For those who thought that meditation is for yogis, this book sets us straight. Everything from vocal prayers all the way to mysticism, knowing when it's from up above (or from somewhere else!). This should be required reading for all religious. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to pray.
June 23, 2024
I found the first half dull (more a problem with me than the book), and I set it down for months. Then, after giving it another shot, it quickly became one of the most interesting books I've ever seen. I found the second half fantastic, top notch. It is about the love waiting for us in deep prayer. If you find it boring at first, keep going! This book will transform your life.
November 7, 2019
It's hard for me to give this book anything but five stars. Fr. Lehodey presents a comprehensive manual for any soul that seeks to take the next step towards Intimate Union with God. Everything is laid out in this work: the steps to mystical union, the types of mental prayer, the intensity each of the prayers gives the individual and how they should approach each step; it's truly the best book of its genre.
I definitely see myself reading this book again. Any struggling soul that wishes to further know the Church-approved way to perfect mental prayer should pick up a copy and start reading!
I definitely see myself reading this book again. Any struggling soul that wishes to further know the Church-approved way to perfect mental prayer should pick up a copy and start reading!
April 30, 2018
Filled with valuable information, but a very dry read. The first half was a breeze to get through. The last half could only be consumed a little at a time. It is one of those books that must be considered slowly, one cannot plow through it quickly unless one is enlightened by grace.
God willing, in a few years, I will try to read it again and see if it easier to read.
God willing, in a few years, I will try to read it again and see if it easier to read.
Read
June 2, 2023oh yeah i forgot to tell you guys but i be in MAD ecstatic mystical union, like dog, i am completely united in raptures you know what i meaaaaaaan
February 28, 2022
This book is an absolute must read for everyone who believes in God. Let not the spiritual, but not religious, say that Christianity is dry and spiritless. Here is described, in minute detail, the beating heart of the Christian life, the interior life of prayer.
The book is divided into three parts. Parts 1 and 2 are for everyone, and describe general prayer and those forms of prayer known as active mental prayer. These parts describe things that every Christian should start practicing immediately. The third part is about Mystical Contemplation. It is good to read, so that one may know what may come, but nothing in it can be applied unless God so wills to raise the soul to such things.
Unless and until God does so raise you, come back to the methods of discursive meditation described in the main body of the text.
Read this book, and practice its guidance. Then read its sources in the more general mystical tradition of Christianity, East and West.
The book is divided into three parts. Parts 1 and 2 are for everyone, and describe general prayer and those forms of prayer known as active mental prayer. These parts describe things that every Christian should start practicing immediately. The third part is about Mystical Contemplation. It is good to read, so that one may know what may come, but nothing in it can be applied unless God so wills to raise the soul to such things.
Unless and until God does so raise you, come back to the methods of discursive meditation described in the main body of the text.
Read this book, and practice its guidance. Then read its sources in the more general mystical tradition of Christianity, East and West.
December 3, 2019
One of the more practical books I have read on prayer.
It's a lot clearer than most of the fathers, it's very very straightforward in what you should do. it's also very effective.
I'd recommend this as a good start for people who want a more sophisticated prayer life than a Rosary a day and Mass.
It's a lot clearer than most of the fathers, it's very very straightforward in what you should do. it's also very effective.
I'd recommend this as a good start for people who want a more sophisticated prayer life than a Rosary a day and Mass.
July 19, 2020
This is a fantastic guide on mental prayer. It covers several variations of it, providing a good explanation of the benefits of each and the roadblocks to be wary of. This was written long ago, so the style may not be to everyone's liking. I found it insightful though...I imagine I will be referring to it often going forward.
August 21, 2024
A very informative resource concerning mental prayer. The content of the earlier chapters can be immediately applied; and while the later chapters on mystical prayer have little no application for me personally (and I imagine for most of us), the book is encouraging throughout. I intend to refer back to it periodically for years to come, hopefully taking more away from it each time.
June 19, 2023
Good read till about page 250 where it starts getting into mystical contemplation which seem to be gnostic like. The idea that all material is somehow evil and only love is good. I couldn't continue reading. Good chapters on meditation though.
November 21, 2019
The best book on prayer I have read.
January 1, 2020
To be read with pen in hand!
This is a book that is so full it requires notes! I intend to read through his works cited and then re read this in the future. It is beautiful.
This is a book that is so full it requires notes! I intend to read through his works cited and then re read this in the future. It is beautiful.
January 23, 2022
The best, simply the best to advance in prayer life and in closeness to God.
March 10, 2022
I struggled through this book. It took me a long time to finish it. I found several precious nuggets in it, but in large, I found it WAY over my head.
August 30, 2022
An EXCELLENT primer on western prayer
June 16, 2024
Just not for me. Hard to get through.
January 22, 2025
Excellent book content. Very dry writing.
I suggest reading Brant Pitre's "Introduction to the Spiritual Life" and Simler's "Catechism of Mental Prayer" **before reading this book**.
I suggest reading Brant Pitre's "Introduction to the Spiritual Life" and Simler's "Catechism of Mental Prayer" **before reading this book**.
April 16, 2025
I haven't finished this one yet but this was recommended by Fr. Ripperger and it's really great so far.
January 1, 2021
One of the best books on prayer I’ve ever read. No more kitschy prayers and guides from wishy-washy “modern” thinkers. Solid theological and mystical thought and practices. Highly recommend if you either want to dig deeper into your prayer life or a skeptic of modern Christianity and it’s dogmas and want a refreshing read that values virtue and a solid interior life.
June 25, 2016
Prayer
I found this work hard to read. It is a powerful expose on how to pray meaningfully. I have learned many new thoughts on praying the mental frame of mind to be in when talking to God. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to pray more meaningfully.
I found this work hard to read. It is a powerful expose on how to pray meaningfully. I have learned many new thoughts on praying the mental frame of mind to be in when talking to God. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to pray more meaningfully.
December 6, 2012
Very clear. So helpful in really getting to understand it.
January 18, 2024
Stopped at the beginning of the chapter on affective prayer (pg. 178). All I can say is that this book makes me want to pray.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews