The Simple Method of Mental Prayer That Can Transform Your Soul (St. Alphonsus’ Way)

About this sermon

Mental prayer does not require exceptional intelligence, advanced education or mystical experiences. Countless ordinary Catholics—including those unable to read—have attained profound union with God through this simple spiritual practice. This instruction presents the accessible method of mental prayer recommended by St. Alphonsus Liguori. Like a dependable recipe, it divides prayer into three manageable parts: preparation, the body of the prayer and the conclusion. Preparation begins with three brief acts: faith in God’s presence, sorrow for sin, and a petition for supernatural light and strength. The body of mental prayer follows an easy pattern: read a little, think a little and pray a little. A short passage from Scripture or a spiritual book supplies the spark; reflection adds the kindling; acts of love, thanksgiving, petition and practical resolutions become the sustaining fire. The most important portion is not lengthy reasoning but direct conversation with God. Ask especially for divine love, final perseverance, forgiveness, a holy death and every grace needed to fulfill His will. Finish by thanking God, renewing one practical resolution and asking for the grace to keep it. This method can transform meditation from a wearisome obligation into one of life’s greatest joys. Begin simply, persevere daily and allow God to draw you into intimate union with Him. “Taste and see how sweet the Lord is.” 00:00 “You Shall Call Upon Me and I Will Hear You” 00:29 Making Mental Prayer Simple 00:38 Anyone Can Learn Mental Prayer 01:02 St. Isidore’s Example 01:18 The Method of St. Alphonsus 01:27 Three Parts of Mental Prayer 02:00 Part One: Preparation 02:07 Remote Preparation and Spiritual Reading 02:42 Choosing a Suitable Posture 02:57 Three Immediate Acts 03:05 Faith, Sorrow and Petition 03:22 Example of an Act of Faith 03:48 Example of an Act of Sorrow 04:04 Asking for Light and Strength 04:38 Ask the Help of Mary, Joseph and the Angels 04:53 Part Two: The Body of Mental Prayer 05:02 Read a Little 05:19 Reading for a Spark—not for Study 05:44 Eternal Truths and Christ Crucified 06:20 Think a Little 06:27 Questions for Personal Reflection 06:58 Meditation Versus Acts of the Soul 07:17 The Needle and Golden Thread 07:41 Pray a Little 08:11 Acts of Humility, Thanksgiving and Love 08:45 Acts of Love Bind the Soul to God 09:03 Petition: The Heart of Mental Prayer 09:18 Ask, Seek and Knock 09:34 Graces We Should Request 09:57 A Jesuit’s Testimony About Petition 10:22 Making a Practical Resolution 10:31 Carrying the Flame Into Your Day 11:05 Part Three: The Conclusion 11:14 Three Final Acts 11:45 Ask for Grace to Keep Your Resolution 11:54 Pray for Sinners and the Souls in Purgatory 12:02 How to Divide 30 Minutes of Prayer 12:34 Forgiveness and Love of Neighbor 12:50 Final Encouragement 13:07 Read, Think and Pray 13:39 Prayer to Our Lady 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 #MentalPrayer #SaintAlphonsus #CatholicPrayer #PrayerLife #CatholicSpirituality #DailyPrayer #ChristianMeditation #CatholicFaith #SpiritualLife #HowToPray #TraditionalCatholic #SensusFidelium

Topics

• Prayer