Workbook Review Question Answers

Lesson One

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1.  Why is it important to understand the different levels of prayer? How can learning about these levels help you in a practical way?

The different levels of prayer give us a roadmap for deepening our relationship with God. In other words, they give us direction, helping us to know where we are in the spiritual life and what the next step in our spiritual growth should be. They also show us what to expect as we progress so that our ascent to God doesn’t veer to the left or the right. 

2. What do the various “grades of prayer” enable us to climb, according to Saint Teresa of Avila?

The Nine Grades of prayer enable us to climb “the divine ladder” into closer union with the Lord. They move us into deeper relationship with God.

3.  The video distinguished between the ascetical phase of the spiritual life and the mystical phase. What are the differences between them? Who is most active in each phase?

The “ascetical” phase of the spiritual life is the ordinary path that everyone must travel toward Christian perfection. It includes learning how to uproot vices from our lives, how to replace them with virtues, and how to meditate well. The ascetical phase covers the first four grades of prayer, which means it includes both vocal and meditative prayer. We’re the ones who are most active in this phase. We’re the ones making the effort to communicate with God and grow in holiness.

The “mystical” phase of the spiritual life moves us into infused contemplation. This phase is the second tier that consists of the final five of the Nine Grades of prayer. When our prayer reaches this level, our work gives way to God’s work. We receive rather than do. God is the One who takes the initiative and actively pours Himself into us. We can prepare ourselves for this inflow of divine grace by ascetical practices, but only God can make infused prayer happen. 

4.  What are the two things that vocal prayer requires of us to be meritorious?

Vocal prayer requires “attention” as well as “devotion.” It’s not enough to recite prayers with the lips, publicly in the liturgy or privately in personal life. The mind should be fully engaged and attentive to what’s being said. That means we have to struggle against things like involuntary distractions that cause us to lose focus. All things being equal, the more focused you are, the more meritorious your prayer will be.

Additionally, if vocal prayer demands the attention of the intellect, it also demands fervent acts of the will. This may or may not involve stirring up feelings. Emotions should never be the focus in prayer. Devotion, at its core, is an act of the will that St. Francis de Sales says: “makes us do good carefully, frequently, and promptly.” After all, we all know we’re supposed pray and be devoted to God, regardless of what we feel or don’t feel.