2757. What is vocal prayer? (CCC 2701) Vocal prayer is a prayer expressed in words which are spoken out aloud.

2758. When does Christ engage in vocal prayer? (CCC 2701) Christ engages in vocal prayer:
1. in the liturgical prayers of the synagogue
2. in raising His voice from blessing of the Father to the agony of Gethsemani.

2759. Why is vocal prayer important? (CCC 2702) Vocal prayer is important, because man experiences the need to translate his feelings externally.

2760. What is meditation? (CCC 2705) Meditation is above all a quest in which the mind seeks to understand spiritual things.

2761. What are the tools that help meditation? (CCC 2705) The tools that help meditation are:
1. the Sacred Scripture
2. icons
3. liturgical texts
4. writings of the spiritual fathers
5. works of spirituality
6. the creation and human history.

2762. What are the two most common ways to meditate on the mysteries of Christ? (CCC 2708) The two most common ways to meditate on the mysteries of Christ are lectio divina and the rosary.

2763. What is lectio divina? (CCC 2708) Lectio divina is the prayerful reflection over biblical and other spiritual texts.

2764. What is contemplative prayer according to St Teresa of Avila? (CCC 2709) According to St Teresa of Avila (around AD 1550), contemplative prayer is a close sharing between friends.

2765. Where does contemplative prayer take place? (CCC 2710) Contemplative prayer takes place in the heart.

2766. How does one enter into contemplative prayer? (CCC 2711) One enters into contemplative prayer by:
1. recollecting us under the prompting of the Holy Spirit
2. abiding in our heart, the dwelling place of the Lord
3. awakening our faith in order to enter into God’s presence
4. turning our hearts to the Lord.

2767. How did a peasant of Ars define contemplation? (CCC 2715) A peasant of Ars defined contemplation by saying: “I look at Him and He looks at me.”

2768. How does St John of the Cross define contemplation? (CCC 2717) St John of the Cross († 1591) defines contemplation as silent love.