Who Created the Prayer of Quiet?

Feb 11,2025 00:00

Who Created the Prayer of Quiet?

The "Prayer of Quiet" is a form of contemplative prayer closely associated with St. Teresa of Ávila, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church. While contemplative prayer predates her, Teresa’s writings articulated and popularized this specific form within Christian spirituality.

What Is the Prayer of Quiet?

1. Definition: The Prayer of Quiet is a state of deep inner stillness where the soul becomes aware of God’s presence and rests in His love without the need for words or active meditation.

2. Teresa’s Description: In her work The Interior Castle, St. Teresa describes this prayer as a gift from God, where the soul is drawn into peace and joy through divine grace.

Historical Context

1. Mystical Tradition: Teresa’s teachings built on earlier mystical traditions, such as those of St. John of the Cross and earlier Desert Fathers.

2. Carmelite Reform: As part of her reform of the Carmelite Order, Teresa emphasized prayer as the cornerstone of spiritual life, making the Prayer of Quiet central to her teachings.

Why This Matters

The Prayer of Quiet invites Christians to experience God intimately, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him beyond words and actions.

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