The point of reflecting on the stages of contemplative prayer is not so that I may begin progressing on the path. Rather, I reflect on the stages so that I will understand better how God is working in my prayer life. I, for my part, will want to move slowly and take baby steps. Generally speaking, I move into the next level of prayer, as it feels comfortable to me. As a matter of fact, I won’t be moving anywhere; God will be moving me. He will do so in his own (eternal) time, and sometimes in ways unknown to me.
So I should not worry about what stage I’m presently in. I should relax and let God do his mighty work within me.
—from the book Mystics: Twelve Who Reveal God’s Love
by Murray Bodo, OFM
