It is an illusion to confine our prayer to one small corner of the day, and afterwards to think no more about it. No doubt it produces at the very time it is made a part of its effect; the mind is enlightened, affections and petitions are made, all which has its own value; but this pious exercise does not yield us all its fruit, unless it results in a practical resolution which corresponds to our needs, and which dwells in the memory in order to be put in practice. A prayer, which does not result in this, is like a remedy that is never applied, an instrument that is never used, a sword that remains in the scabbard.

In fine, it is an illusion to take scrupulosity for delicacy of conscience and its futile pre-occupations for a good prayer. On the contrary, this is one of the greatest obstacles to union with God; an obstacle, because it hinders tranquility of mind and attention to God; an obstacle, because it contracts the heart with sadness, stifles confidence and love, paralyses the will, inclines us to fly from God. Besides, what prayer can there be in a heart tossed about by scruples? Instead of adoring, it is examining its conscience; instead of thanking, it is probing its sores, it asks no pardon, it is too busy investigating its guilt, it begs for no grace, it is too much occupied in self-inspection. It has not then made any prayer, it was too busy with self to have any time to speak to God; or, if it has done so, it was a prayer without confidence, without any expanding of the heart; fear has banished the familiar intercourse of prayer, anxieties have destroyed calm and peace. Scrupulosity is not repentance, it is merely trouble; it is not delicacy of conscience, but its unhealthy counterfeit.

“The Ways of Mental Prayer” written by Rev. Dom Vitalis Lehodey

This Cistercian’s writing has always penetrated deep. His voice elevates my aspirations. In my mind, he thrived in the monastic life, an example, a pillar. The monastic life I have always viewed as something set apart.