What is Contemplative Prayer?
Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer that goes beyond words and thoughts to a direct experience of God's presence. It's not about thinking about God or talking to God, but about being with God in silence and love. This type of prayer has been practiced by saints and mystics throughout Church history and is considered one of the highest forms of prayer. Contemplative prayer is not just for monks and nuns, but for all Christians who want to deepen their relationship with God.
The Biblical Foundation of Contemplative Prayer
The Bible provides many examples of contemplative prayer. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, showing us the importance of silence and solitude in our relationship with God. The Psalms speak of waiting in silence for God and being still before Him. Saint Paul writes about praying 'in the Spirit' and being led by the Spirit in prayer. These biblical examples show us that contemplative prayer is not a modern invention, but a practice rooted in Scripture and tradition.
Preparing for Contemplative Prayer
Contemplative prayer requires preparation and a proper disposition. This includes finding a quiet place where you won't be interrupted, sitting in a comfortable but alert position, and taking time to quiet your mind and heart. It's helpful to begin with a simple prayer asking God to help you be present to Him. You might also want to read a short Scripture passage or prayer to help you focus your attention on God.
The Practice of Centering Prayer
Centering prayer is one form of contemplative prayer that has become popular in recent years. It involves choosing a sacred word or phrase and repeating it silently when your mind wanders. The goal is not to think about the word, but to use it as a way to return your attention to God's presence. This practice helps you develop the ability to be still and present to God without being distracted by thoughts or emotions.
Dealing with Distractions
Distractions are a normal part of contemplative prayer, especially for beginners. Your mind will naturally wander to thoughts, worries, or plans. When this happens, gently bring your attention back to God's presence. Don't be discouraged by distractions or try to fight them - simply acknowledge them and return to God. Over time, you'll develop the ability to remain focused on God's presence more easily.
The Fruits of Contemplative Prayer
Regular practice of contemplative prayer brings many spiritual benefits. It helps you develop a deeper awareness of God's presence in your daily life. It increases your capacity for love and compassion toward others. It brings peace and calm to your mind and heart. It helps you develop the virtue of patience and the ability to wait on God's timing. Most importantly, it deepens your relationship with God and helps you grow in holiness.
Contemplative Prayer and the Saints
Many saints have practiced and written about contemplative prayer. Saint Teresa of Avila described it as a form of prayer where the soul is united with God in love. Saint John of the Cross wrote about the 'dark night of the soul' that often accompanies contemplative prayer. Saint Therese of Lisieux practiced a simple form of contemplative prayer that she called 'the little way.' These saints show us that contemplative prayer is accessible to everyone, regardless of their spiritual level.
Integrating Contemplative Prayer into Daily Life
Contemplative prayer should not be isolated from the rest of your spiritual life. It should be integrated with other forms of prayer, such as vocal prayer, meditation, and the sacraments. The awareness of God's presence that you develop in contemplative prayer should carry over into your daily activities. This means being mindful of God's presence while you work, interact with others, or engage in ordinary activities.
Common Misunderstandings
There are several common misunderstandings about contemplative prayer. One is that it's only for advanced spiritual people. In reality, anyone can practice contemplative prayer, though it may take time to develop the ability to be still and present to God. Another misunderstanding is that contemplative prayer is about achieving a particular experience or feeling. The goal is not to have certain experiences, but to be present to God regardless of how you feel.
Getting Started with Contemplative Prayer
If you're interested in contemplative prayer, start with just 10-15 minutes each day. Choose a consistent time and place for your prayer. Begin with a simple prayer asking God to help you be present to Him. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to God's presence. Don't worry about doing it perfectly - the important thing is to be faithful to the practice and trust that God is working in your heart.
Conclusion
Contemplative prayer is a beautiful and powerful way to deepen your relationship with God. It's not about achieving spiritual experiences or becoming perfect, but about being present to God in love and trust. Through regular practice of contemplative prayer, you can develop a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life and grow in holiness. Remember that God is always present and always ready to meet you in the silence of your heart.