How important is prayer?  What is the contemplative style of prayer?
Because as Christians we have chosen a way of life which says by its very nature that God is everything to us, prayer has a central role in our lives. Prayer is the intimate dialogue with the Lord whom we love - and it is as necessary for us as communication is for any two persons who expect their relationship to continue.  As a result discernment naturally requires a considerable amount of time spent in prayer, since it is the process of identifying the will of God in our lives.

Since prayer is so important, most priests and religious spend at least two hours a day in prayer - part of that time with others, at Mass and in common oral prayer; part alone, in reading and quiet contemplation.  Contemplation is especially important because much of prayer is allowing God to speak to us, and God’s voice is most often found in silence (c.f. 1 Kings 19:12-13).  Many seminarians have commented on the life-changing experience received through the silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  If you need further advice, simply consult any priest or religious.

 

What prayers should one concentrate on for those who are discerning the priesthood or religious life?
Since discernment is the active listening of the God’s will, prayer is an indispensible component.  How that prayer life is lived out will depend on where an individual is currently, and what his or her spiritual needs are.  There are several key elements that one should already be doing or striving to do.
The first is frequent attendance of mass, daily wherever possible.  Since the Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, it is imperative that one participates in this sacrament as frequently as possible.  In conjunction with this is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, most preferably in the exposed form.  Many priests and religious report that their vocation came from an increased love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament through the attendance of daily mass or time spent in adoration. 

The second is daily time spent in quiet prayer.  This can be done in any quiet setting, but the important part is that it has to be done.  By quiet prayer it is meant that one is not actively trying to ‘say’ prayers, but instead is in a state of meditation or contemplation.  Since prayer is a dialogue between God and us, we must allow ourselves to be open for God to speak directly to us.  It is only then that we can learn of what God’s will for us is.
The third is devotion to our Mother Mary, which more than likely refers to the daily recitation of the Holy Rosary.  There are tremendous merits in learning to entrust our lives and vocation to her care, who with her fiat best exemplified the acceptance of the will of God.  It is Our Heavenly Mother who said, “Let it be done according to Thy word.” (Lk 1:38)

The fourth is prayer in the morning and at night.  Usually it is recommended to say a morning offering at the beginning of one’s day, dedicating one’s actions and prayers to the greater glory of God.  An examination of conscience and a prayer of thanksgiving are good ways to end the day.  These two points in the day are like anchors that one can depend on to sanctify one’s day.

Another way to help discern is to recite the Liturgy of the Hours.  This is the prayer of the Church that all priests and religious promise to pray at different hours during the day.  It can help establish a helpful rhythm of prayer, as well as giving one a taste of the prayer life of priests and religious.