Reading, reflection and praying are the exercises that should be used to prepare for contemplation.
The written or spoken word of God is like a mirror. And, like a mirror, when you read the word of God you will see the spiritual imperfections that you would not otherwise see. Without the word of God, you are blinded by habitual sin. But when you see it in the mirror you quickly go to wash it off.
If the mark you see is the idea to sin, then the water to wash it away is prayer to God. If the mark is actual sin then the water to wash it away is confession in His holy church.
© The White Swami 2009