By Jerome Lim, OCDS (Christ the King OCDS Kuching Community)
Many people have asked me about mental prayer—what it is, and how it’s possible to practice it in the midst of a busy, fast-paced world. Even my colleagues and students at school have expressed their curiosity. Their sincere interest has inspired me to write this article, sharing my personal experience of mental prayer as a professed Secular Carmelite (OCDS).
At the heart of the Discalced Carmelite tradition lies the practice of mental prayer—a loving, silent conversation with God. For Secular Carmelites, mental prayer is not an optional devotion but the very foundation of our vocation. It is how we remain rooted in Christ amid the demands of daily life, how we live our promise to follow the Gospel “in allegiance to Jesus Christ,” and how we bear witness to the transforming power of divine intimacy in the world.
What is Mental Prayer?
Mental prayer, as taught by our Holy Mother St. Teresa of Jesus, is simple and profound. It is “nothing else,” she says, “than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.” Unlike vocal prayer, which often relies on spoken words, mental prayer involves a quiet, attentive presence before God—listening more than speaking, loving more than thinking.
I first encountered the concept of mental prayer when I was just an Aspirant, seeking to learn more about the Discalced Carmelite way of life. At the time, it felt distant—something meant for monks and cloistered individuals who had hours to spend in prayer. I’ll admit, mental prayer felt impossible. With so many responsibilities—as a teacher, husband, father, Scout leader, and lay minister—I had no idea how to carve out space for such silence.
I often wondered, “How can I possibly make time for prayer when there’s already so much to do?” Setting aside even a few minutes felt like climbing a mountain. Silence was uncomfortable. The mind wandered. But a quiet stirring in my heart compelled me to continue the journey.
The Journey Through Formation
By God’s grace, as I moved through the stages of Carmelite formation—from Aspirant to Novice, and now as a Definitive Professed Secular Carmelite—I began to understand that mental prayer is not about retreating from the world but about engaging it more deeply. My daily life itself became prayer. Mental prayer was a way to bring my heart to God in the midst of the noise and busyness, allowing His presence to transform even the ordinary tasks I performed into acts of love.
As a Novice, I was taught the importance of setting aside dedicated time for mental prayer. Though it was challenging at first, I started by setting aside small moments of stillness throughout the day, anchoring myself in the presence of God. Gradually, this simple yet consistent practice took root and deepened. Over time, I began to experience a more intimate relationship with God, and my awareness of His presence became more constant and sustaining.
When I finally made my Definitive Profession as a Secular Carmelite for life, I felt a profound sense of commitment—not only to the Carmelite way of life but to the practice of mental prayer. I came to see it not as a task to be checked off each day, but as the living thread that wove together every part of my life.
A Way of Life, Not a Task
With this lifelong commitment to live the evangelical life, I began to feel the grace of God more deeply at work within me. Mental prayer was no longer something I struggled to fit into my schedule—it had become a way of being, a means of living in constant communion with God.
It was transforming me from within—shaping me into a more loving husband, attentive father, dedicated teacher, and compassionate leader. Whether in the classroom, at home with my family, or leading Scouts, I learned to bring my heart to God in the simplest of moments. I found myself more attuned to the needs of others and more deeply rooted in my vocation.
The formation journey from Aspirant to Novice, and finally to my Definitive Profession, has been one of deep and ongoing transformation. Through mental prayer, I’ve been able to live out my vocation as a Secular Carmelite in a meaningful way. Life remains full and busy, but it is now more centered on God’s love.
I’ve come to recognize that every moment—no matter how ordinary—is an opportunity to remain fully engaged in the world while continually striving to keep my heart aligned with God’s will. Each day is filled with countless invitations to silently lift my heart to Him and to listen for His voice in the midst of daily life. In this way, life itself is slowly being transfigured into a living prayer.
An Invitation to Begin
Mental prayer has transformed my heart—giving me peace, clarity, patience, and a deeper trust in God. And I believe it can transform your life too. As St. Teresa of Jesus wisely said, “The important thing is not to think much, but to love much.”
I invite you to begin this journey of mental prayer. Let it become the quiet space where you meet God, the wellspring of strength that nurtures your soul, and the path that leads you to spiritual growth.
He is already inviting you into a deeper friendship with Him. You don’t need hours of free time or a perfect environment—not tomorrow, not when life feels easier, but today. Just start where you are—with simple moments of silence and a heart open to God.
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, waiting between meetings, or winding down at the end of the day, those moments can become sacred. You don’t have to be a Carmelite to pray like one. You just have to begin. One moment of silence. One whispered prayer. One lifted heart.
You’ll be amazed at what God can do with even your smallest “yes.”
