What Is Recollection? Understanding Interior Stillness and Prayer

In our fast-paced, noisy world, the practice of recollection can seem elusive. Yet, for Catholics, it is a vital tool for deepening our relationship with God. You might be wondering What is recollection?

Recollection, in the Catholic tradition, is more than just quiet reflection. It is an intentional turning inward, a spiritual practice that helps us to center ourselves in God’s presence, enabling us to live more fully in His grace. Stemming from a rich tradition of Christian mysticism and prayer, recollection invites us to quiet the distractions of daily life and cultivate an awareness of God’s presence within us.

This article explores the meaning of recollection, its importance in Catholic spiritual life, and how we can practice it in our own lives.

The Meaning of Recollection

Recollection, from a Catholic perspective, refers to the act of drawing one’s mind and heart away from distractions to focus on God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that prayer and union with God require an interior stillness, a “recollection of the heart.” This stillness is achieved through recollection, which helps believers direct their attention away from the busyness of the world to focus on the divine.

The term “recollection” comes from the Latin word recolligere, meaning “to gather together.” In spiritual terms, it is a “gathering” of the soul, bringing our thoughts, emotions, and desires into unity, directing them toward God. It involves detaching ourselves from worldly distractions so that we can enter into a deeper communion with God in prayer.

As St. Teresa of Ávila, one of the great mystics of the Church, describes it, recollection is the soul’s return to its innermost center where God dwells. This withdrawal from distractions is not merely an outward act but an inward movement of the heart and mind toward God.

Recollection in the Lives of Saints

Throughout the history of the Church, saints have spoken about the importance of recollection in spiritual growth. St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, two key figures in Carmelite spirituality, emphasized the practice of recollection as central to the spiritual life. For them, recollection was a necessary step in entering deeper into contemplative prayer, allowing the soul to focus on God without the noise and distractions of the external world.

St. Teresa particularly taught about what she called “active recollection.” This is a state where the soul, through its own effort and grace, actively works to withdraw from distractions and focus on God’s presence. She described it as “entering within ourselves,” a movement of gathering our faculties – our thoughts, feelings, and will – and directing them entirely toward God. This inner gathering prepares the soul to receive God’s grace more fully in prayer.

St. John of the Cross also emphasized recollection in his teachings. He believed that recollection was essential for progressing in the spiritual life. He encouraged believers to practice it in moments of prayer and silence, as it helps the soul detach from the noise of the world and become more receptive to the still, small voice of God.

The Importance of Recollection in the Spiritual Life

Recollection is crucial because it helps us grow in awareness of God’s constant presence in our lives. In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and endless demands for our attention, it can be easy to lose sight of God. Recollection draws us back, reminding us that God is not far from us, but dwells within our hearts.

Through recollection, we cultivate an interior life of prayer. St. Thérèse of Lisieux famously said that prayer is “a surge of the heart” and an intimate conversation with God. However, for this conversation to happen, we must first turn our attention away from the noise around us and listen to God speaking in the silence of our hearts. Recollection helps us enter into that silence, allowing for a deeper encounter with God.

This practice also strengthens our ability to live in God’s presence throughout the day. While recollection often begins in moments of prayer, it extends beyond prayer time. It helps us maintain an awareness of God’s presence, even in our daily activities. By practicing recollection regularly, we can learn to live with an ongoing awareness of God, making all our actions a form of prayer.

Active vs. Passive Recollection

In the Catholic spiritual tradition, recollection can be understood as either active or passive.

Active recollection is the conscious effort to quiet our minds and focus on God. This requires our cooperation and discipline. We withdraw our attention from worldly matters and intentionally turn our thoughts to God. For example, during prayer or at a quiet moment in the day, we may try to calm our minds, let go of anxieties, and focus on God’s presence.

Active recollection is often the first step toward deeper prayer. It requires mental and spiritual effort, as we set aside distractions and center our hearts on God. Practices like meditative prayer, the rosary, or Scripture reading are forms of active recollection. These methods help guide our thoughts toward God and cultivate interior stillness.

Passive recollection is a more advanced form of recollection, where the soul is drawn into deeper communion with God through His grace. Unlike active recollection, which requires our effort, passive recollection happens when God acts within the soul, leading it into a state of prayerful union. This is often associated with contemplative prayer, where the soul rests quietly in God’s presence. Saints like St. Teresa and St. John of the Cross describe passive recollection as a gift from God, not something we can achieve on our own.

While we can practice active recollection through our efforts, passive recollection is a grace that comes as we grow in holiness. Both forms of recollection are essential for developing a deeper prayer life and growing in intimacy with God.

How to Practice Recollection in Daily Life

Recollection is a practice that can be cultivated, even in the midst of busy lives. Here are some practical ways to incorporate recollection into your daily routine:

1. Set aside time for quiet prayer

Begin your day by dedicating a few moments to quiet prayer and reflection. Find a peaceful space where you can focus on God without distractions. You can use Scripture, a spiritual book, or simply sit in silence, allowing yourself to become aware of God’s presence.

2. Use short prayers throughout the day

One of the simplest ways to practice recollection is through short, frequent prayers. Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to say the Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” It can be repeated throughout the day to remind you of God’s presence. Short prayers like these help us recollect ourselves and turn our thoughts to God, even in the midst of activity.

3. Be mindful of God’s presence

As you go about your daily tasks, try to maintain an awareness of God’s presence. Whether you are working, caring for your family, or relaxing, remind yourself that God is with you. This simple mindfulness can turn even mundane activities into moments of prayer.

4. Practice silence

In our noisy world, silence is a rare gift. Make an effort to incorporate moments of silence into your day. Turn off the radio in the car, pause before a meal to thank God, or sit quietly for a few minutes before bed. These small acts of silence help create space for recollection and foster a deeper awareness of God.

5. Go on a retreat

A spiritual retreat is an excellent way to practice recollection. Whether it’s for a few hours or several days, stepping away from your regular routine to focus entirely on God can renew your spiritual life. Many retreat centers offer silent retreats, which provide the perfect environment for deepening your practice of recollection.

6. Frequent the Sacraments

The sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, are powerful aids in cultivating recollection. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, and receiving it with a recollected heart allows us to deepen our communion with Christ. Similarly, regular Confession helps us purify our hearts, making it easier to enter into recollection and hear God’s voice.

The Fruits of Recollection

Practicing recollection leads to profound spiritual benefits. First and foremost, it deepens our relationship with God. By turning our attention to Him regularly, we grow in intimacy with Him and become more aware of His love and guidance in our lives.

Recollection also brings peace. When we recollect ourselves in God, we detach from the worries and distractions of the world. This interior peace allows us to navigate life’s challenges with greater trust and confidence in God’s providence.

Moreover, recollection leads to greater clarity and discernment. When we quiet our minds and focus on God, we become more attuned to His will. This helps us make decisions guided by faith rather than fear or confusion.

Finally, recollection strengthens our spiritual resilience. In a world filled with distractions, temptations, and spiritual battles, recollection keeps us rooted in God. It helps us remain focused on our ultimate goal—union with God in heaven.

Conclusion: Recollection as a Path to Holiness

Recollection is a powerful practice that draws us closer to God and helps us grow in holiness. In the midst of a busy, noisy world, it allows us to step back, gather our hearts, and refocus on what truly matters. Whether through moments of quiet prayer, mindful awareness of God’s presence, or deeper contemplative prayer, recollection leads us into the heart of our relationship with God.

As Catholics, we are called to live in constant communion with God, and recollection is a tool that helps us achieve this. By practicing recollection daily, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s grace, allowing Him to lead us on the path to holiness.

In the words of St. Teresa of Ávila: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” Recollection helps us remember this profound truth and live it out in our daily lives.

Go Deeper: Watch Virtue of Recollection

This video dives into the virtue of recollection, which means being mindful of God’s presence in our souls. The video compares how the Pharisees failed to recognize Jesus standing right in front of them because they let pride, anger, and distractions consume them—much like we often do:

The Pharisees symbolize parts of ourselves that can overlook God. The video encourages us to stay aware of God, much like how good spouses stay mindful of each other. Unlike human relationships, though, God is always present, never abandons us, and is perfect. So, we can take comfort knowing nothing can separate us from His love.