The charism of the Secular Discalced Carmelite Order emphasizes a profound, contemplative relationship with God, integrating this spirituality into everyday life through prayer, community, and mission. Central to Carmelite spirituality is daily meditation and praying the Morning and Evening Hours of the Divine Office. These prayers unify individual lives with the universal Church’s rhythm of worship. Regular Mass attendance, as the primary act of worship, further deepens this spiritual life and connects members with the broader Church community. Devotion to Mary, through meditation, praying the rosary and wearing the scapular, enhances both personal and communal spirituality, reflecting the Marian identity of Carmel.

Prayer holds a central place in Carmelite life, seen not merely as recitation but as a means to develop a deep, personal relationship with God. Inspired by St. Teresa of Avila, prayer is viewed as an intimate friendship with God, involving regular, heartfelt conversations with our Lord. This relationship is essential, with Scripture playing a crucial role in nourishing this dialogue. Engaging with the Bible is encouraged to deepen understanding and connection with God, making Scripture and spiritual reading a central element in a Carmelite’s prayer life.

Secular Carmelites are called to integrate prayer into their daily lives, making every moment a reflection of God’s presence. This integration is evident in their approach to balancing family, work, and community responsibilities with their contemplative vocation. Unlike cloistered life, Secular Carmelites live out their contemplative call in the world, striving to be contemplative amidst daily activities. Community life is vital, with regular meetings fostering shared responsibility, formation, and a sense of belonging within the Carmelite family.

The mission of the Secular Carmelites involves actively living and sharing Carmelite spirituality with others, ensuring that their prayer life translates into service and outreach. This mission highlights the importance of making prayer permeate their entire existence, striving for a continual, relational engagement with God. The Carmelite vocation is thus a noble calling, enriching both personal and communal aspects of life, centered on a dialogue of friendship with God and a commitment to His presence in everyday actions and commitments.

Christian life is fundamentally about living in accordance with Christ’s teachings, directing all actions to glorify God. The contemplative life extends this commitment by seeking not merely to live “for God” but to live “with God,” focusing on intimate unity with the Divine. Like human relationships, our relationship with God must be fostered to grow. Despite challenges and distractions, learning to pray effectively is a gradual process, requiring patience and persistence as we grow in our Lord.