"For mental prayer in my opinion
is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends;
it means taking time frequently
to be alone with Him who we know loves us"

St. Teresa of Avila

Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond Prayer

This prayer is a simple method of coming to the Lord as you are. It can be used almost any time of the day and in just about any circumstance. It can also be used within any other method of prayer such as Lectio Divina or Ignatian Contemplation as a way of conversing with the Lord. The different movements of this prayer: Acknowledge, Relate, Receive, Respond.


Acknowledge – Openly and honestly without prejudice acknowledge how you are before God. What you are experiencing? What is moving in your heart?


Relate – Bring yourself as you are into relationship with God by relating your experience to Him. Speak to him from your heart.


Receive – Listen to what God is doing with the movements of your heart. Receive his presence and the constancy of his love.


Respond – What we receive impels us to respond in gratitude and with renewed heart.

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