<P> Meditation is a form of reflective prayer which engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire . There are as many methods of meditation as there are spiritual masters . Ordinary or active mental prayer consists of two operations; one belongs to the thinking faculty which applies the imagination, memory, and understanding to consider some truth or mystery . The other operation is dependent on the will and compels one to love, desire, and ask for the good proposed by the mind, and make resolutions to arrive at it . According to St. Teresa, the soul in this stage is like gardener, who, with much labour, draws the water up from the depths of the well to water his plants and flowers . </P> <P> Contemplative prayer is a silent attentiveness which looks at God by contemplating and adoring his attributes . St. Teresa describes Contemplative prayer (oración mental) as "...nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us ." In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord himself . Contemplation, like all prayer, is pure gift, and not anything one can achieve . </P> <P> The tradition of the Roman Catholic Church highlights four basic elements of prayer: Prayer of Blessing and Adoration, Prayer of Petition, Prayer of Intercession, and Prayer of Thanksgiving . </P> <P> In its widest applications the word "blessing" has a variety of meanings in sacred writings . It can be taken in a sense that is synonymous with praise; thus the Psalmist, "I will bless the Lord at all times; praise shall be always in my mouth ." The prayer of blessing expresses praise and honor to God and is man's response to God's gifts . </P>

5 types of prayer in the catholic church