4. The Prayer of Simplicity

Some call the second stage of prayer “The Prayer of Contemplation,” “The Prayer of Faith and Stillness;” others give it the name “Prayer of Simplicity.” I shall here use the latter name as being more fitting than the term “contemplation,” which signifies a prayer more advanced than the one I am speaking of. When the soul has exercised itself for some time as previously described, it feels that the power of applying itself to God is gradually given to it with ease, that it can withdraw itself more easily; prayer becomes easy, sweet, and delightful. The soul knows now that this is the way to find God, for it feels the savor of His anointing. But then it must alter its method, and seek to perform faithfully and courageously what I am going to say, without being troubled by any difficulties that may be encountered.

First, as soon as the soul withdraws and places itself in the presence of God by faith, let it continue thus a little in reverent silence.

But if, from the beginning, it feels some little sense of the Divine Presence, let it stop there without troubling itself about anything or proceeding further; and let it hold what is given it, as long as it lasts. If this passes away, then let it stir up its will by tender affection; and if by means of the first affection it finds itself placed again in a sweet peace, let it continue therein. We must blow the fire gently, and when it is once kindled, cease to blow it more; for if we should continue to blow on it, we would only extinguish it.

I advise, above all, that no one ever conclude his prayer without continuing for some time towards the end in a solemn, attentive silence. It is also very important for the soul to go to prayer with courage, and bring with it a pure and unselfish love. Let it not go so much to receive anything from God as to please Him and do His will. For, a servant who only serves his master according as he rewards him, is indeed unworthy of any reward at all. Go therefore to prayer, not desiring to get joy from God, but only to be as He pleases. This will preserve in you an evenness of spirit, both in the time of abundance and the time of dryness, and will keep you from wondering either at God’s repulses or your own dryness.