An Invitation
to Contemplative Prayer
To paraphrase Thomas Keating in his book “Open Mind Open
Heart: The Contemplative Dimension of the Gospel”, interest in Eastern spiritual traditions, such as meditation, is
a symptom of what is lacking in the West. There is a deep spiritual hunger that
is not being satisfied by mainstream Christian religious practice.
However, as Keating explains, “During the first fifteen
centuries of Christianity contemplative prayer was a common practice. The method of prayer proposed for lay persons and monastics
alike in the first Christian centuries was lectio divina, literally, “divine
reading”, a practice that involved reading scripture, or more exactly, listening to it.” Pg.20
What is contemplative prayer?
Contemplative Prayer first and foremost is an opportunity to develop
your relationship with the Holy Spirit by creating within yourself a still and silent space to receive God. It is a way to live the scripture, “Be still and know that I am God”. Through true inner stillness God can speak to Our Spirit by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
What can I expect from contemplative prayer?
At the very least you will leave a session feeling relaxed. You will also learn a new way of being with God that you can practice at home. You may gain insight into your questions, or discernment about your direction. Over time you’ll develop an awareness of the still place within you that is
connected with the eternal God, and be able to recognize when you are living from that perspective. When practiced daily contemplative
prayer can heal your wounded soul through being in the holy presence of God’s unending love.
What we do at contemplative prayer?
We begin with a few minutes of deep mindful breathing to foster
relaxation and become centered and fully present. We then transition into guided
meditation to develop awareness of our different aspects; body, mind, emotions, and beneath it all, our spirit. Fifteen minutes is spent in silent Centering Prayer. During
Centering Prayer we use a simple prayer or a single word or image giving the mind a single-point of focus with the intention
to be still and know the presence of God within. We then practice Lectio Devina,
reading texts of scripture and inviting God to speak to us through the Bible. After
reading the scripture out loud we enter another ten minutes of quiet contemplation with an open mind and expectant heart while
we listen for the Holy Spirit. To wrap up our contemplative prayer gathering
we are invited to share with others relevant insight we may have had during this prayerful interlude.
Contemplative Prayer is not for everyone, but the only way to
know if it is for you is to experience it yourself. If any part of you is feeling
pulled toward this way of being with God, honor that small voice within you. It’s
God calling you into a deeper relationship with Him.