Little Catechism of the Life of Prayer

In this short but comprehensive guide, Father Gabriel describes in clear terms the means and methods of mental prayer. Set out in question-and-answer format, the Little Catechism of Prayer is an invaluable work for those seeking to enter more deeply into a life of prayer and loving communion with God.Mental prayer is indispensable to the spiritual life; normally it is, so to speak, its very breath. However, this spontaneity in prayer is usually realized only if the soul applies itself to meditation for some time by its own personal effort. In other words, one must learn how to pray. It is to teach souls this devout practice that various meditation books have been published. There are many methods, each with its own merit; among them is the Teresian method, so called because it is based on the teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus, the Foundress of the Discalced Carmelites and the great mistress of the spiritual life. . . . We outlined this method in a pamphlet called the Little Catechism of Prayer.... It is a simple exposition of the Teresian method according to the writings of many Carmelite authors; its widespread circulation shows very clearly that this method answers the needs and the desires of many prayerful souls.Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalene, Preface to Divine Intimacy (1963).