In Chapter 28 of The Way of Perfection St. Teresa of Avila explains the practice of recollection in reference to the 2nd article of the Lord’s prayer, Who art in heaven. It seems that she sees in this article in particular a way in to interior recollection.
The method seems such:
- Dwell on the article, “Who art in heaven”
- Recognize that where God is, heaven is, because heaven is the dwelling of God and the terms are in a sense synonymous.
- Call to mind God’s ominpresence, that there is nowhere God isn’t, including the depths of the soul. So there is no need to go out to seek Him.
- Call to mind also that God is omnipotent, so that wherever he dwells, he dwells in all his power. There is no power that he lacks, including the capacity to perfect us in His love.
- Converse with Him, present within, with confidence in His presence and power.
- Do this in a place of solitude and where the senses are turned off to the things of the World.
- Be confident that the senses will obey the soul that moves toward recollection.
In Chapter 28 St. Teresa also offers a definition of recollection:
This prayer is called “recollection” because the soul collects it faculties together and enters within itself to be with its God.
Note: this article is focused on the body of prayer, not the introduction or conclusion as such.