Helpful ways to begin and remain in the Prayer of Recollection

St. Teresa’s method suggests that to remain attentive to Jesus’ presence, one may want to recall a passage from the Gospel, like Jesus with the woman at the well.  Recalling that Jesus Christ is present within  just as he was present before the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.  An image from the Visio Divina gallery, rather than one evoked through imagination, may be helpful as a returning point to the wondering mind.  When the mind wanders, bring attention back to the Lord's presence by a glance at the sacred image representing the passage.

More on Lectio and Visio Divina:

The use of Scripture (Lectio Divina) or imagery (Visio Divina) leading into Contemplative prayer is an ancient prayer practice. 

The 4 Steps:

Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)

The Latin phrase “lectio divina” may be translated as “divine reading.” Lectio divina is a method for praying with the Scriptures:

1 - Read (Lectio):  Read a passage of Scripture noticing what speaks to your heart
2 - Meditation (Meditatio): Ponder the passage. What strikes you about it
3 - Prayer (Oratio): Enter into dialogue with the Lord about what speaks to you from the Scripture
4 - Contemplation (Contemplatio): Rest in the presence of God (as in St. Teresa’s Prayer of Recollection, looking at our Lord Jesus present within.)

Visio Divina (Divine Seeing)

“Visio divina” translates to “divine seeing” and is a way to pray using sacred images, often alongside Scripture

1 - Look (Visio): Spend time looking at a sacred image noticing how it speaks to your heart
2 - Meditation (Meditatio): As one would experience during lectio divina,  ponder what strikes you about this image (and accompanying Scripture passage if used)
3 - Prayer (Oratio): Enter into dialogue with the Lord about what was speaking to you from the image (and Scripture)
4 - Contemplation (Contemplatio): Rest in the presence of God (as in St. Teresa’s Prayer of Recollection, looking at our Lord Jesus present within.)

Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):

CCC 1177 The hymns and litanies of the Liturgy of the Hours integrate the prayer of the psalms into the age of the Church, expressing the symbolism of the time of day, the liturgical season, or the feast being celebrated. Moreover, the reading from the Word of God at each Hour (with the subsequent responses or troparia) and readings from the Fathers and spiritual masters at certain Hours, reveal more deeply the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, assist in understanding the psalms, and prepare for silent prayer. The lectio divina, where the Word of God is so read and meditated that it becomes prayer, is thus rooted in the liturgical celebration.

CCC 2708 Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.