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

YOUCAT Question n. 503 - Part III. 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 2710) The choice of the time and duration of the prayer arises from a determined will, revealing the secrets of the heart. One does not undertake contemplative prayer only when one has the time: one makes time for the Lord, with the firm determination not to give up, no matter what trials and dryness one may encounter. One cannot always meditate, but one can always enter into inner prayer, independently of the conditions of health, work, or emotional state. The heart is the place of this quest and encounter, in poverty ant in faith. 

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 2713) Contemplative prayer is the simplest expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gift, a grace; it can be accepted only in humility and poverty. Contemplative prayer is a covenant relationship established by God within our hearts (Cf. Jer 31:33). Contemplative prayer is a communion in which the Holy Trinity conforms man, the image of God, "to his likeness."

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