# Prayer of Quiet ## The Way of Perfection QUIET (PRAYER OF). A form of prayer that we cannot procure through our own efforts (and thus “supernatural”); it is the beginning stage of contemplation ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.2]],[[tj-way-ccel-31|6]]; [[tj-way-ccel-30|30.7]]). In it the Lord puts the soul at peace by his presence ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.2]]). The soul understands, but not through the exterior senses, that it is now close to its God ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.2]]). It doesn't understand how it understands ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.2]]). The faculties, are in stillness, and wouldn't want to be busy with anything but this loving, but two of them are free to come and go, or even to think of who it is they are loving, while the will is held captive ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.3]]). Sometimes it seems that the quiet is not present in the intellect; the will should pay no more attention to it than to a madman ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.8]]–[[tj-way-ccel-31|10]]). One gentle word from time to time will be enough work on the soul's part ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.8]],[[tj-way-ccel-31|10]],[[tj-way-ccel-31|13]]). Sometimes the will is held in that peace while the other faculties are free for acts in God's service; the active and contemplative lives are joined ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.4]]–[[tj-way-ccel-31|5]]). In this prayer one is beginning to receive the kingdom ([[tj-way-ccel-30|30.6]]; [[tj-way-ccel-31|31.3]]); in this rest one's strength for the journey is doubled ([[tj-way-ccel-30|30.6]]; [[tj-way-ccel-31|31.2]]); in it the soul does not remember there is still more to desire ([[tj-way-ccel-31|31.3]]). > “In infused [[prayer-of-recollection|recollection]], God draws the soul inward and makes it attentive to Himself, but the faculties are not bound. In the [[prayer-of-quiet|prayer of quiet]], the will is seized and held by God in a loving embrace, so that it cannot turn elsewhere.” > — _Divine Intimacy_, meditation 190 See also: [[spiritual-delights|spiritual delights]]