# Vocal Prayer ## The Way of Perfection VOCAL PRAYER. Recitation of a prayer formula such as the Our Father or the Hail Mary ([[tj-way-ccel-25|25.3]]); but we must refuse to be satisfied with merely pronouncing the words ([[tj-way-ccel-24|24.2]]; [[tj-way-ccel-22|22.2]]). The mind and heart should be aware of what we are saying and to whom we are speaking ([[tj-way-ccel-21|21.10]]; [[tj-way-ccel-24|24.5]]–[[tj-way-ccel-24|6]]), centered on the one to whom the words are addressed ([[tj-way-ccel-24|24.6]]). Vocal prayer, then, must not be separated from mental prayer ([[tj-way-ccel-22|22.3]]). Many persons while praying vocally are raised by God to sublime contemplation ([[tj-way-ccel-30|30.7]]; [[tj-way-ccel-25|25.1]]). In the liturgy, when in the Creed the words “and his kingdom will have no end,” were said, it was almost always a special delight for Teresa ([[tj-way-ccel-22|22.1]]); when we begin to recite the Hours consider whom we are going to speak with and who we are ([[tj-way-ccel-22|22.3]]).