Contemplation is a form of prayer practised by Christians and in my experience is the opening of your whole being to God. It is a purifying agent that brings one into divine union with the Father. For the first sixteen centuries in the early church, Contemplative Prayer was known and defined in classical terms as "Lectio Divina" which means 'divine reading'. Many have started this pattern of prayer with Centering Prayer, a method that helps to foster the development of contemplative prayer.
This web page has been set up to assist those who feel ready to experience a deeper, richer form of prayer life. Some of the guidelines to follow for a period[s] of contemplative prayer are:
a. Choose a sacred word that will symbolise your consent to God's presence within you; [examples of words to use would be - Jesus, Lord, Father, Abba, Shalom, Mercy to name a few]
b. Find a comfortable setting and silenty begin to use the sacred word you have choosen;
c. When your thoughts begin to wander, return to the sacred word;
d. Gently come out of the prayer mode by continuing in silence for a couple of minutes.
Note that during this exercise your eyes can be closed, but not necessarily.
The exercise requires patience and you should not be alarmed if you feel as though "nothing is happening". It will over time, just start off with short periods of say about 5-10 minutes a day and gradually increase the time as you become more confident. Experience has taught me that it is best to start with a group conducted by someone who is qualified in this area, not necessarily a member of the clergy, but definitely one who has been schooled in this type of prayer. Books such as "Open Heart, Open Mind" and "The Human Condition" are particularly helpful. [Both books are by Thomas Keating].
MORE BOOKS
On Course in Contemplation, Robert Coulson
A Deeper Love, Elizabeth Smith & Joseph Chalmers
Contemplative Prayer, Thomas Merton
Out of Solitude, Henri J. M. Nouwen
The Way of St. Francis, Murray Bodo
Most are familiar with the teachings and writings of Thomas Keating [the Cistercian priest, monk and abbot] on Contemplative Prayer. However, I have discovered another source in Rev. Canon Robert Coulson, an Anglican priest who founded the Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer [FCP].
I encourage anyone who visits this page to also glean further insight into this beautiful pattern of prayer by visting the links provided.
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