On prayer and the contemplative life

In Short

Saint Thomas Aquinas's On Prayer and the Contemplative Life is a philosophical and theological exploration of the nature of prayer, contemplation, and the spiritual life. Written in the 13th century, the book delves into the relationship between humans and the divine, examining how prayer and contemplation can lead to a deeper understanding of God and one's place in the universe. Aquinas argues that prayer is not just a means of requesting favors from God but a way to align oneself with divine will, fostering a sense of unity and love. The contemplative life, he suggests, is the highest form of human existence, where the soul is directed towards the eternal and unchanging truths of God. Through a series of questions and answers, Aquinas addresses various aspects of prayer, including its necessity, forms, and effects, as well as the challenges and rewards of the contemplative life. The book reflects Aquinas's systematic approach to theology, blending reason and faith to provide a comprehensive guide to spiritual practice and understanding.

The Story

Saint Thomas Aquinas's On Prayer and the Contemplative Life begins by establishing the necessity of prayer as a means of aligning human will with divine will. Aquinas argues that prayer is not merely a request for favors but a way to foster a deeper relationship with God. He distinguishes between vocal and mental prayer, emphasizing that the latter, being more interior, is particularly effective in uniting the soul with God. Aquinas then explores the contemplative life, which he describes as the highest form of human existence, where the soul is directed towards the eternal and unchanging truths of God. He discusses the nature of contemplation, its relationship to the moral virtues, and the possibility of attaining a vision of the Divine Essence in this life. Aquinas also addresses the comparison between the active and contemplative lives, suggesting that while the active life precedes the contemplative in the order of time, the contemplative life is superior in its focus on God. Throughout the book, Aquinas engages with the works of earlier thinkers, particularly Saint Augustine, to support his arguments and provide a rich theological framework. The book concludes by emphasizing the lasting nature of the contemplative life, both in this world and the next, as it is rooted in charity and the love of God.

How It Unfolds

The necessity of prayer: Aquinas begins by asserting that prayer is essential for aligning human will with divine will, not just for requesting favors. Vocal vs. mental prayer: He distinguishes between vocal and mental prayer, emphasizing the interior nature and effectiveness of mental prayer in uniting the soul with God. The contemplative life: Aquinas defines the contemplative life as the highest form of human existence, focused on the eternal truths of God. Nature of contemplation: He explores the nature of contemplation, its relationship to the moral virtues, and its distinction from meditation and speculation. Vision of the Divine Essence: Aquinas discusses the possibility of attaining a vision of the Divine Essence in this life, though not in its fullness. Active vs. contemplative life: He compares the active and contemplative lives, arguing that while the active life precedes the contemplative in time, the contemplative life is superior in its focus on God. Lasting nature of contemplation: Aquinas concludes by emphasizing the enduring nature of the contemplative life, rooted in charity and love of God. Challenges and rewards: He addresses the challenges of maintaining contemplation in a busy world and the rewards of a life directed towards God.

The People

Saint Thomas Aquinas: The author and central figure, Aquinas seeks to understand and articulate the nature of prayer and the contemplative life. His goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to spiritual practice, blending reason and faith. He faces the challenge of reconciling human limitations with the infinite nature of God. By the end, he affirms the possibility of a deep, transformative relationship with the divine through prayer and contemplation. Saint Augustine: A key influence on Aquinas, Augustine’s ideas about prayer, contemplation, and the love of God are frequently cited. Augustine’s works provide a foundation for Aquinas’s arguments, particularly regarding the interior nature of prayer and the soul’s union with God. The Reader: Implicitly, the reader is invited to engage with Aquinas’s ideas, applying them to their own spiritual journey. The challenge lies in integrating these profound concepts into daily life, while the reward is a deeper understanding of God and one’s place in the universe.

In Its Own Voice

"Prayer to those who cannot know what we pray for is idle. But God alone can know our prayers, and this because prayer is frequently a purely interior act of which God alone is cognizant." — On the interior nature of prayer and God's unique ability to know our prayers.

"The contemplative life is concerned with incorruptible and unchangeable things, and there is nothing which is its contrary. For, as Aristotle says: 'To the pleasure which is derived from thought there is no contrary.'" — On the enduring and unchanging nature of the contemplative life.

What It's Really About

At its core, On Prayer and the Contemplative Life is about the human quest for union with the divine. Aquinas explores how prayer and contemplation serve as bridges between the finite human mind and the infinite God. The book delves into the nature of prayer, not as a mere transaction but as a transformative act that aligns human will with divine will. Aquinas argues that prayer is a form of love, a way of directing the soul towards God, and that it is essential for spiritual growth. The contemplative life, he suggests, is the highest expression of this love, where the soul is wholly directed towards the eternal truths of God. Aquinas also addresses the challenges of maintaining contemplation in a world filled with distractions and the limitations of human understanding. Ultimately, the book is about the possibility of transcending these limitations through grace and the power of love, achieving a state of unity with God that is both profound and enduring.

Why Read It Today

On Prayer and the Contemplative Life offers timeless insights into the nature of prayer and the spiritual life, making it relevant for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their relationship with the divine. Aquinas’s systematic approach, blending reason and faith, provides a robust framework for exploring these topics. While the language and style may be challenging for modern readers, the ideas are profoundly rewarding. The book encourages readers to reflect on their own spiritual practices and to consider the transformative power of prayer and contemplation. It is particularly valuable for those interested in theology, philosophy, or spirituality, offering a rich and nuanced perspective on how to live a life directed towards God. The excerpts highlight Aquinas’s clarity and depth, making the book accessible despite its complexity. Reading it today can provide a sense of continuity with centuries of spiritual thought and a renewed appreciation for the enduring quest for union with the divine.