← [[session-06-asp|Other Forms of Prayer in the Teresian Tradition]] | [[aspirancy-handbook|Table of Contents]] | [[session-08-asp|Brief History of the Discalced Carmelite Charism of Prayer]] → # Understanding the Carmelite Charism of Prayer Required Reading: Constitutions articles 17 through 24, and Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition by Paul Marie of the Cross, OCD, pgs. 17-22. ICS Publications. Explanatory Note: The charism of each religious order in the Church is the particular way in which its members are called to follow Christ. Since all charisms follow Christ, the charisms will have many elements in common, but the way in which these elements are emphasized gives each religious family its unique identity. The assigned pages of the book, Carmelite Spirituality in the Teresian Tradition and the referenced paragraphs in the OCDS Constitutions, provide an excellent overview of our charism of prayer. Essential points to discuss: • Prayer is to be understood not so much as an exercise but as being present to God. • Deep prayer involves no rigorously prescribed method. It has little to do with techniques. In the early stages, some method is generally helpful, such as lectio divina and other types of mental prayer. • Search for God in silence and solitude – longing for union with God. • Focus on prayer as relationship with God; spending time with Him who we know loves us. Genuine prayer goes hand in hand with growth in virtue. 12 --- **Source:** Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, *Aspirancy Handbook: A Journey in Carmel* (US National Formation Program, 2024).