Catechism of Mental Prayer

by Joseph Simler

Clearly explains what mental prayer or "meditation" is and how to do it. This little book succeeds effortlessly where larger ones fail. Takes the beginner step-by-step through the 3 basic aspects. Mental prayer is for all--so is this book.

Genres: Prayer, Catholic, Spirituality, Religion, Theology, Faith, Christianity

68 pages, Saddle Stitch

First published January 1, 1911

About the author

P Joseph Simler was a Catholic priest and the fourth Superior General of the Society of Mary (1876-1905).

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time with this short book on mental prayer. It's chock-full of tremendous information. It's a little book that I'll be referring to, a lot. It's for all who want to have a personal conversation with God.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I tried to do mental prayer without this! And yet, The Soul of the Apostolate must have been a good guide in most respects because I seem to have figured out the basic prinicples without having them explicitly spelled out as they are here. Even so, would have liked to have found this book sooner.

Can be read in almost no time. Includes explanations, instructions, topics for meditation and prayers (for preparation and conclusion).

Excellent pocket guide how-to for mental prayer!

May 31, 2023: Should reread this more often!

Reread: May 7, 2025, ditto above. My copy has a pink cover.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on mental prayer I have read. Everything I hoped The Ways of Mental Prayer would be. While The Ways of Mental Prayer is 400+ pages describing the various states of mental prayer with beautiful language and long sentences, this short little booklet is concise and direct, written in a Q&A format and gives step-by-step instructions on how to pray. A must-read for young men entering the seminary and young women entering the convent, as well as everyone who is interested in mental prayer.

[Dawn Axelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly thought that I had made a small mistake in buying this partway through. I wasn’t thrilled, for example, at his definition of affective prayer.

But the area that he called “Supplement” contains some of the most beautiful samples of prayers. He took what he said to do at each phase of mental prayer, and included some moving examples of how a beginner might express himself in that particular vein. It was gorgeous.

I’ll always turn to Lehodey for a one step deeper into mental prayer. But this is a smaller, simpler, and a more concrete “OK what exactly do I say given what I have learned about mental prayer? sort of thing.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

St Alphonsus Liguori, a Doctor of the Church, said "All saints have become saints by mental prayer" - This book presents an easy short explanation of how to practice mental prayer. If you want to become a saint learn this type of prayer. This booklet is only $4.

[Jane Tennyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mental prayer

This is exactly what the title says it is: A catechism. Didn't make great reading and didn't help me develop a better prayer life.

[Stephanie Marcinkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by a priest to be used as my penance after confession. He assigned me a few pages for that moment but, it became part of my morning reading routine, just a small section each day, throughout the month because I took so well to it while performing my penance. It will now live in perpetuity as part of my Every Sacred Sunday mass journal contents. What a treasure of spiritual material I've gathered!

If you're like me who can't seem to remember prayers to recite on demand but can sit and ponder and meditate on the will of God for you, then this book is an affirmation of your gift that many people find difficult.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid overview in a helpful Q/A format. Great price and simple presentation w a very helpful supplement toward the end.

[David Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mental Prayer

This little booklet is field with great ideas about how to have a solid prayer life. It was full of examples and ideas. I would recommend it to everyone. Great job.

[Elizabeth Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for those starting out on their prayer journeys or those who want to be reminded of the fundamentals of mental prayer.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Simple but practical. Changed my prayer life for the better.

[Tiberis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great. Great. Great Book.