Grade 3: Affective Prayer

Fr. Aumann states succinctly: "Although St. Teresa of Avila does not use the expression affective prayer in any of her writings, she does refer to this grade of prayer, and it has been accepted by all schools of spirituality. Affective prayer may be defined as a type of prayer in which the operations of the will predominate over discursus of the intellect. It is merely a simplified meditation in which love predominates …

The will is a blind faculty that needs direction and enlightenment before it can love and desire the good. For that reason discursive meditation and spiritual reading play an important part in the practice of affective prayer; they supply the material that stimulates the activity of the will.

Hence we must be careful not to terminate discursive meditation before the affections have been stimulated. This would be a waste of time and could also be the source of illusion. Neither should we force the affections; when they do not come forth spontaneously, or when they have run their course, we should return to discursive or vocal prayer and not try to prolong the affection by our own efforts… As soon as some thought has stimulated and aroused a movement of the will, we should stop reading and allow the will to perform its operation." (Spiritual Theology, pp.324-325)

In a way, our Christian growth consists simply in growing to see, to will, to feel and to act in genuine love as Jesus would in our situation. How would Jesus Himself see this, will this, feel towards this and act on this accordingly? This may be the question we constantly have to ask ourselves throughout our whole life. [We do not have to do so in Heaven, for we will do it automatically without any struggle… But meanwhile… here on earth…] This is also where meditation and affective prayer come in. They can truly help us think and will as Jesus would. Normally, Christ-like thinking and willing take place prior to Christ-like feeling and action.

Sometimes, even with the help of God and the advice of others, we may have to spend a lot of time in meditation, going back to it again and again until a certain right perspective of Christ clearly permeates our mind. When it does, a certain Christ-like willing, feeling and action in genuine love will follow. Due to our very sinful nature, veil and society, daily meditation and affective prayer (which may take place anywhere) are often needed to purify or sanctify our mind and will until we reach "maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ… no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming." (Eph 4:13-14)

Without doubt, meditation and affective prayer can move us to a deeper consolation of love, joy, peace and inner freedom, etc. But the true fruits should be a more transformed will to will as God wills, a more intense virtuous life, a greater sell-denial and detachment, a purer love for God and others, etc. Focusing on our feelings is a spiritual gluttony. It may also leads us to spiritual laziness in which we would not return to the practice of meditation. However, we should not suppress such gifts of consolation when they come from God. Yet, God may at times allow us to enter spiritual desolation as He wants us to accord the intensity of grace to our daily living, rather than to its sentimental wonders. Our focus should always be on God, His holy nature and will for us.

Ultimately, what God is seeking is our union with God in love, beginning on earth. All trials and consolations (allowed or sent by God) are only meant as our purifying, sanctifying, illuminating, strengthening and unifying experiences. They act like God's two hands to help us increasingly break through the veil (i.e., the countless unholy energies which permeate and envelope us) to arrive at a greater love of God, of ourselves and others. It is often very difficult to see these two invisible hands of God in our life. It is indispensable therefore that we spend sufficient time for meditation and affective prayer in which God's grace begins to truly divinize (or Energize) our mind and will until we are on fire to do God's will with love.

"Thank you, Lord. This is exactly what I need!" A good meditation and affective prayer oftentimes end with this grateful conviction towards a certain truth, situation, experience, trial, consolation, or discernment, etc., in life. It may also save us a lot of time and energies struggling in confusion and bitterness, etc.

In honour of All Saints Day tomorrow (November 1, 1998), the following is added: More than anything else, as we are all created according to God's image and likeness (cf. Gen 1:26), God is always interested in everyone of us in becoming a saint, i.e., to follow the the likeness or examples of Christ Jesus who is the image (both visible and invisible) of the invisible God (cf. Col 1:15). If our interest or priority in life is the same, we would not stop thanking God for everything, even in all situations. Again, and again, the first three grades of prayer can truly help us refocus or readjust our priority. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1Thess 5:16-18)

For a wonderful prayer, click here.