The Active Prayer Practice

The active prayer is a short phrase, usually six to twelve syllables, that one prays repeatedly at free moments throughout the day in order to work it into the subconscious. Over time, the aspiration has the remarkable effect of erasing our old, negative self-commentaries. Thus, it provides a neutral zone in which common sense or the Spirit of God can gently move in to give guidance.

Go about this practice without anxiety, haste, or excessive effort. Do not blame yourself for forgetting to say it on some days; just start up again. Examples of the active prayer:

O Lord, come to my assistance.

O God, make haste to help me.

Holy Mary, Mother of God.

Open my heart to your love.

Lord, I give myself to you.

My Lord and my God.

View The Active Prayer Sentence video describes this method (in the first 6 minutes) as well as introduces the Attention/Intention practice.

Guard of the Heart

One practice to bring the effects of contemplative prayer into daily life is traditionally known as ‘Guard of the Heart.’ This consists of letting go of every emotional disturbance as it arises and before we start thinking about it. This method is more sophisticated than dismantling the emotional programs for happiness because it deals with the whole of life. It expresses our ongoing intention to be with God in the present moment and sustains it.
Fr. Thomas Keating, 2017

Video explaining “Guard of the Heart” by Bob Mischke

Article: “Guard of the Heart” by Bob Mischke

Recording of the workshop on Guard of the Heart presented to Contemplative Outreach of Westchester in June 2023