Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative Prayer is a process of interior transformation, a conversation initiated by God and leading, if we consent, to Divine Union.  In silence we come to know and live from the Divine Mystery within us. The fruit of contemplative prayer is a growing awareness of God as the Source and Center of all.

Centering Prayer prepares us to receive the gift of God’s presence. It consists of responding to the Spirit of Christ by consenting to God’s presence and action within. Centering Prayer does not demand anything of us. It does not ask anything of God. It is a process of simply resting in the love of God, and being in relationship with Him. Centering Prayer is drawn from ancient prayer practices of the Christian contemplative heritage, notably the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert, praying Scripture through Lectio Divina, the 14th Century anonymous book The Cloud of Unknowing, and the writings of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila.

“When you want to pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (MT 6:6)

Here are some great websites for Contemplative Prayer:

 Contemplative Outreach

Center for Action and Contemplation

Contemplatives Prayers Archive