Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 503 – Part IV.

YOUCAT Question n. 503 - Part IV. What is interior or “contemplative” prayer?

(Youcat answer repeated) Contemplative prayer is love, silence, listening, and being in the presence of God.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2715) Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus. "I look at him and he looks at me": this is what a certain peasant of Ars used to say to his holy curé about his prayer before the tabernacle. This focus on Jesus is a renunciation of self. His gaze purifies our heart; the light of the countenance of Jesus illumines the eyes of our heart and teaches us to see everything in the light of his truth and his compassion for all men. Contemplation also turns its gaze on the mysteries of the life of Christ. Thus it learns the "interior knowledge of our Lord," the more to love him and follow him (Cf. St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, 104). 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) For interior prayer one needs time, resolve, and above all a pure heart. It is the humble, poor devotion of a creature that drops all masks, believes in love, and seeks God from the heart. Interior prayer is often called the prayer of the heart and contemplation.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2716) Contemplative prayer is hearing the Word of God. Far from being passive, such attentiveness is the obedience of faith, the unconditional acceptance of a servant, and the loving commitment of a child. It participates in the "Yes" of the Son become servant and the Fiat of God's lowly handmaid.    

(This question:  What is interior or “contemplative” prayer? is continued)