Of Reading, Thinking, and Prayer, three habits which the beginner in contemplation should develop. Nevertheless, anyone who aspires to contemplation ought to cultivate Study, Reflection, and Prayer, or to put it differently, reading, thinking, and praying.
Cloud of Unknowing, Unknown Author
So many times I have heard pastors, theologians, professor, or lay people talk about how the mystics go by feeling and emotions and fail to take up the study of God and Bible. Well, this is a thought in which I am in totally disagreement. When I read over Christian works in the past, it is often the mystics who have spent more time studying, reflecting, and time talking to God.
Here is a 14th century admonition for any would be contemplatives.
Before contemplation, one must cultivate