Catholic prayer

An explanation of the first levels of prayer, some of their purposes, and how to get started if you haven’t already.

Even though prayer has 9 levels, the first 3 are more like phases. 1/25

The first phase is vocal prayer, which is all traditional written prayers like basic prayers, litanies, novenas, rosary, chaplets, etc. 2/

This phase is learning how to talk to God by way of these structured prayers. Many of us are reluctant to pray because we’re unsure how to approach God, and these prayers guide us to develop the language of prayer. 3/

Next is meditation. Catholics who pray the Rosary mysteries have already been praying a type of meditation. Its purpose is to change our mental visions and thoughts from worldly things to things of God. This method also helps us develop the virtues and detach from this world. 4/

Last is contemplation. Once we have practiced meditation for a time, we will get to a point where we will no longer be able to visualize during meditation. This phase sets up the higher levels of prayer by teaching us to rest in God and to love Him alone. 5/