Catholic contemplative prayer vs meditation. But how it approaches this goal is different.

Catholic contemplative prayer vs meditation. Caution in Using Contemplative Prayer .

Stephanie Eckelkamp

Catholic contemplative prayer vs meditation. Secure the center with staple.

Catholic contemplative prayer vs meditation. This two-part daily audio meditation will help you ask yourself, “What is the grace I seek?”. Publication date 1997 Topics Contemplation, Meditations Publisher New York : Continuum Collection Dec 18, 2021 · A good friend recently asked me to explain the difference between traditional Catholic mental prayer (meditation on the life of Jesus that the Spanish mystics called oración mental) and New Age centering prayer (amorphous meditation promoted by pseudo-Eastern groups. In summary, meditation is the work of humanity (for the most part), and contemplation is the work of the Divine. St. Mark 15:33-39: “Jesus is Crucified and Forsaken. As opposed to meditation, we can contemplate mindfully while we do daily things, such as walking in the park or doing the dishes. Per the Oxford Dictionary of World Religions Apr 28, 2015 · contemplative reading — or simply “contemplation”, which involves thinking deeply about the teachings and events in the Bible. The word is Maranatha: it is Aramaic, for “Come, oh Lord…”. The stillness is not primarily a physical stillness (it’s possible to be contemplative while walking a Jan 17, 2019 · The path to contemplation is the path of silent prayer, of practices like centering prayer or lectio divina or the Jesus Prayer. Meditation, though it can be a calming practice, is ultimately a self-centered and self-indulgent ON SOME ASPECTS OF CHRISTIAN MEDITATION* October 15, 1989 . It is more than a kind of daily waiting attendance on the exalted Sovereign who receives his subjects’ homage morning and evening. Thomas Merton’s classic study of monastic prayer and contemplation brings a tradition of spirituality alive for the present day. Much of the content regarding contemplation comes out of the Catholic tradition, and the Wesleyan Holiness/Charismatic tradition. “sitting with God” — a silent meditation, usually preceded by contemplation or reading, in which we focus all our mind, heart and soul on the presence of God. Memories may come up as a result of practicing contemplative prayer. In your heart. If you aren’t familiar with this concept, essentially what it is, is a manner of approaching the Christian life and particularly Christian disciplines of prayer, meditation, and the Holy Spirit. And then Thomas Merton and James Finley made it even more popular. Teresa of Avila wrote, “Mental prayer, in my view, is nothing but friendly intercourse, and frequent solitary converse Aug 24, 2015 · Roman Catholic Spiritual Direction. Many Christians today have a keen desire to learn how to experience a deeper and authentic prayer life despite the not inconsiderable difficulties which modern culture places in the way of the need for silence, recollection and meditation. [note 1] The state of beholding God, or union with God, is known as theoria. Contemplation, on the other hand, represents a fulfillment of all of our efforts to deepen our personal relationship with God. Sometimes, all you need is to understand your own thoughts. Jan 21, 2013 · Anna Krestyn - published on 01/21/13. When most people think of spiritual contemplation, they think of Christian contemplative prayer. Week 4: With the Risen Christ. ” 6 Contemplative prayer seeks him “whom my soul loves. The states of the first group are characterized by the fact that it is God, and God only, who manifests Himself; these are called mystical union. Ignatius is the founder of the Jesuit order of Catholic monks. Ignatian meditation was created by Ignatius in the 16th century as a prayer method in his Spiritual Exercises. This reading should be intentional, slow, meaningful, with ears open. III. ” 7 It is Jesus, and in him, the Father. Teresa designates it simply as contemplation, without any qualification. Maranatha can be practiced every day, in the morning and evening. ”. "In these times of apostolic renewal, as always in every form of missionary engagement, a privileged place is given to contemplation of God, to meditation on his plan of salvation, and to reflection on the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel, so that prayer may be Father John and Dan Burke discuss the difference between meditation and contemplation. Dec 15, 2017 · 6: Contemplative Prayer. When contemplatives pray, they aren’t focusing on themselves; they are contemplating God. Meditation and prayer have a close relationship. Mar 25, 2024 · Contemplative prayer is a communion in which the Holy Trinity conforms man, the image of God, to his likeness. Meditation serves as a foundation on which the contemplative life stands, the practice by which Often, there is confusion surrounding meditation and its adjunct, though helpful practices. In prayer, you reflect on your actions, so you can earn a good eternal life in heaven and avoid the abyss of hell. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosa­ ry. Rather than taking the initiative (as with vocal prayer and meditation), contemplative prayer is about Quietism is the name given (especially in Catholic theology) to a set of contemplative practices that rose in popularity in France, Italy, and Spain during the late 1670s and 1680s, particularly associated with the writings of the Spanish mystic Miguel de Molinos (and subsequently François Malaval and Madame Guyon), and which were condemned as heresy by Pope Innocent XI in the papal bull About this presentation. Meditation vs Contemplation. Sep 21, 2016 · Together with contemplation, the Catechism of the Catholic Church talks about vocal prayer (speaking to God, either aloud or in your head, in formulas or your own words) and meditation (reflecting Contemplative Prayer (also known as Christian Meditation, The Prayer of the Heart, Centering Prayer) is a kind of “Silent Gazing on God”, an exploration into the limitless Mystery that is God. (Note that in other spiritual traditions, contemplation has quite a different meaning: it refers to a way of praying that frees the Feb 21, 2024 · Time to read: 4 min. This meditation is a form of Christian contemplative prayer that uses the word maranatha as a mantra. Contemplative prayer is hearing the Word of God. 2721 The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. This modern movement in Christianity was initiated by three Trappist monks of St. Before reading the point of meditation, we place ourselves in the presence The Walters Art Museum. The word, which translates from Greek as “Come, Lord,” is a prayer to Jesus. In regard to the use of a prayer word or phrase by which one disposes oneself to the grace of contemplation, I note that there is a difference in these approaches as regards the actual handling of the prayer word. Fold the palm behind the cross. It is the prayer of the listening heart. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Nov 1, 2019 · At this point you are transitioning from meditation to contemplation. 0:04. The link between presence and awareness in contemplative meditation is the prayer-word. It is a vivid realization of the fact that life and being in us proceed from an invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant source. Contemplative prayer is Jul 28, 2020 · The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “the Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. ” It defines meditation and contemplation as follows: Meditation: An exercise and a form of prayer in which we try to understand God’s revelation of the In the Ignatian tradition, praying with the imagination is called contemplation. A soul is known to be called to one of these degrees when it succeeds therein, and does so with ease, and when it derives profit from it. Our schedule is full of appointments. M. (Mental prayer can also be subdivided into meditation and contemplation. . Sep 9, 2000 · Centering prayer is a remarkably simple method that opens one to God’s gift of contemplative prayer. May 22, 2020 · Katie speaks with Fr Mike about contemplative prayer as the "highest form of prayer. It is a two-fold manifestation: in letting go May 4, 2018 · Incidentally, centering prayer, proper speaking, is not synonymous with contemplation — for contemplation is a gift from God, not something we achieve by our own efforts. This relationship intensifies over time manifested by the fruits in one’s life. But centering prayer is a prayer which disposes the praying person to contemplation. You are invited to use your imagination to enter the scene, to take part, to let the scene unfold. In 2 Corinthians 4 you have, "The god of this age has blinded the eyes of unbelievers to keep them Catholic Living. During this time we are ‘with Jesus’. Morning and Before Bed tracks are meant to bookend your day. Jul 26, 2010 · So, what is contemplative prayer? "Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2715). A kind of life-long Examen, inspired by Ignatius’ Contemplation to Attain Love. Put in the light of faithful tradition, the danger of confusion between these two forms of prayer and the Oct 11, 2022 · Prayer and meditation both cause you to reflect on your lives, but there’s a difference in how they do so. In her autobiography, St. In fact, prayer has a kind of hierarchy to it in which prayer becomes more intense and spiritually fulfilling as we practice it for God’s glory. We might notice different details, ask new questions, and find ways that God is speaking directly to us. Contemplative prayer focuses on one word that is repeated throughout the prayer. Jan 16, 2021 · St. With this understanding, the following tips can help those who pray the rosary move from vocal prayer to meditation to inner contemplation: 1) Schedule the time. The former is more of a mental state, whereas the latter is more of an emotional state. I hope this helps. John Bartunek and Dan Burke discuss the similarities and the differences between meditation and contemplation. This is done by reciting a word or phrase, such as “God”. He calls his prayer “contemplation, contemplative prayer, and meditative practice,” all three terms being synonyms of meditation. An audio examen on the blessing of family and our role in it. William Meninger, Fr. Prayer is asking for help, and meditation can help you find the biblical answer to your problem. It is the ultimate gift to unite and rest in God’s presence. It participates in the “Yes” of the Son become servant and the Fiat of God’s lowly Mar 1, 2022 · However, if the practitioner is using the sacred nothingness -WITH NO THOUGHT, WITH NO SYMBOL, WITH NO EFFORT, WITH NO PERCEPTION, WITH NO IMAGE, WITH NO FORM, WITH NO THING, then the centering prayer is apophatic. This is meant to be the beginning of a conversation with God. "Meditate on the law of the Lord day and night" (Psalm 1 ). 🎥Please consider subscribing! What questions do you have after watchin Sep 11, 2020 · After digging deeper into prayer and meditation I noticed these 4 differences: Prayer is more of a conversation, whereas meditation is taking time to dig deeper into God’s word. Sit comfortably. Thus it learns the “interior knowledge of our Lord,” the more to love him and follow him (see also St. Meditation is a prayerful quest for God “engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” (Catechism #2723). 1. Part II of III. Centering Prayer and Speaking in Tongues Contemplation is the use of the imagination to achieve the same end. So says author Simon Chokoisky in a “Psychology Today” article. Introduction. But, as A. Take a short scripture, and do not try to tackle too May 2, 2018 · Kataphatic prayer is a type of prayer that uses positive ways of imagining, thinking about, or speaking of God. Far from being passive, such attentiveness is the obedience of faith, the unconditional acceptance of a servant, and the loving commitment of a child. —St. Regarding prayer vs meditation: Prayer (including contemplative) is an act that reaches out to God, whereas meditation merely looks inward on the self. There is no clear-cut boundary between Christian meditation and Christian contemplation, and they sometimes overlap. Apart from the differences in intention and Father John and Dan Burke discuss the difference between meditation and contemplation. May 22, 2010 · So my answer is that meditation is a biblical reality. Contemplation also turns its gaze on the mysteries of the life of Christ. selfless yet involving the whole person. Teresa answers: “Contemplative prayer [ oracion mental] in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us. It finds God in created things, in our thoughts and feelings, in our ordinary human Jul 7, 2013 · Dear Friend, Let us begin by saying that the basic difference between meditation and contemplation is that meditation is a human mode of prayer whereas contemplation is divinely infused prayer. We are called to respond with compassion to the myriad situations we encounter in life; not to react out of our conditioning but to respond as each situation calls for. This is the searchlight or the radar, as it were, that carries my awareness into the presence of God. Prayer Word . "Enjoy!———This is a short clip from Episode 1 of 'Colloquy' with Fr Mike Jan 5, 2020 · Following that logic, contemplative meditation can be defined as spiritually-centered observation or consideration of a specific idea, question or situation with the goal of receiving insight from the still small voice, inner wisdom or the divine. Centering Prayer Meets the Vatican The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of' the Faith warned about the dangers of blending Christian prayer and Eastern methods of meditation (e. M. Sep 18, 2023 · Ignatian meditation is similar to Lectio Divina in that it seeks to lead to an encounter with God through the Bible. Meditation is listening. Simply loving, desiring, listening and adoring Him. , Zen . They have in common the recollection of the heart. We can learn from the saints about the three types of prayer. Be open to the spirit working in your life on all levels; each level of prayer is necessary in relationship with the Almighty. Contemplation however, especially what is known as “infused contemplation,” is strictly the realm of God’s grace. Benedict made contemplative prayer famous way back in the 5th Century. 652 Part Four 2716 Contemplative prayer is hearing the Word of God. As we rest quietly in the presence of God, we spend time with Him in speechless silence. The practice is quite simple. Many of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, along with thinkers and mystics in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, have A Mantra Practice That Calms the Mind and Invokes the Presence of God. Teresa of Avila uses water as an image of various stages of prayer. Jun 19, 2020 · Another way of expressing it is: meditation is thinking about God, Centering Prayer is consenting to God and contemplative prayer is loving God. Its history is closely tied with the development of the Monastic movement from the times of the Desert Mothers and Fathers. We open our awareness to God whom we know by faith is within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than choosing – closer than consciousness itself. Therefore, the purpose of contemplative meditation is to seek answers to specific questions from -- Prayer is the indispensable breath of every contemplative dimension. Carl. There is a huge difference between meditation and contemplation in prayer. In meditation, you focus on the present moment, where you have the most control over your actions. It becomes pure contemplation, a grace already given to every one (not only to a selected few) by God from the start. He is with you every step of the way. And although many Christians experience in pain Aug 21, 2021 · Preparatory Prayer: offer to God all your will and actions, especially in this time of prayer; ask God for a specific grace that you need and desire right now (peace, consolation, hope, etc. – Fr. The Catechism calls vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation the 3 expressions of personal prayer. Secure the center with staple. Jun 19, 2020 · As such I have maintained an interest in and appreciation of modern Christian approaches to meditation. This is not reading for knowledge, or for pleasure, this is not intended to be speed reading. It is a gift, a grace; it can be accepted only in humility and poverty. Acknowledging the difference between The prayer of simplicity is not to meditation what inactive is to action, though it might appear to be at times, but what uniformity is to variety and intuition to reasoning. The main difference between contemplation and meditation is that meditation is a practice that focuses on clearing the mind, while contemplation is a more analytical and reflective practice that involves thinking deeply about a particular topic or concept. Remember that God’s will for you is good, as He promises in Jeremiah 29:11. It’s an active endeavor, usually involving a “source material” to prompt us. Pray alone or with your family. Most Christians are convinced that prayer is more than the outward performance of an obligation, in which we tell God things he already knows. Prayer in general, whether verbal or interior, is the active expression of one’s relationship with God, who desires to dwell in the heart of every human Sep 18, 2018 · But prayer is not just simply words of thanksgiving or requests to God. Perhaps you may sense an invitation Dec 19, 2017 · Thus began the prolific influence of John Main’s Christian meditation. I. Mystical graces may be divided into two groups, according to the nature of the object contemplated. Contemplative prayer can also open up feelings and wounds that may be buried deep within the psyche. This form of prayer mimics a meditative, centering practice due to the one-word focus and When those kids grow up, they may seek a deeper spirituality in other religious traditions without realizing that their Catholic faith has its own ancient tradition of meditation, contemplation, and mystical prayer. In this article, we Meditation is not contemplation. Fr. Mar 11, 2016 · Rajan Zed. “Contemplation is the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life…It is spiritual wonder. While contemplation is a train of thought about something, meditation is training the mind to rest in a particular focus that leads to a connection to the source of consciousness itself. Matthew 26:20-30: “The Lord’s Supper” Jesus ministers his body and blood to the Twelve, including Judas, and to each of us. Meditation is a practice of observing silence and focusing on God. In meditation, we use our mind to ponder. The one main thing they have in common is that “both Christian meditation and contemplation are forms of what we call mental prayer,” states Mar 4, 2021 · Go forward, pray and serve in the power of the Holy Spirit. Feb 21, 2024 · Updated: February 21, 2024. In Eastern Christianity, contemplation ( theoria) literally means to see God or to have the Vision of God. Meditation, like meditative reading, is a means to attain to the heart of prayer, which is for St. The Contemplative Society focuses on Centering Prayer, a surrender method of meditation, or contemplative prayer, that reaches back to the early days of Christianity. Thread starter Meditation vs Contemplation. The objects of meditation are mainly three: mysteries of faith; a person's better knowledge of what God wants him or her to do; and the divine Mar 1, 2021 · Active meditations for contemplative prayer by Keating, Thomas. Oct 26, 2022 · Contemplative Prayer. Engaging in contemplative practice like meditation, yoga, and prayer, is beneficial for psychological and physical well-being. Contemplative prayer is a covenant relationship established by God within our hearts. However, there is not yet consensus on the underlying overlapping physiological mechanisms of contemplative practice benefits. Knowing the difference can give us clarity in our spiritual Catechism of the Catholic Church. Simply sit, eyes closed, in a quiet place, and say the word silently to yourself. “Prayer is talking to god. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Jul 5, 2016 · The Contemplative. Meditation has many benefits for Catholics, including the following: Reduced anxiety: Whether your anxiety stems from a real or perceived threat, Catholic meditation can help you regain your confidence. Read the biblical text through slowly, recalling what it is about; then let it come alive for you! Reflect on the truths that God wants to teach you in 2720 The Church invites the faithful to regular prayer: daily prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours, Sunday Eucharist, the feasts of the liturgical year. In the Exercises, contemplation is a very active way of praying that engages the mind and heart and stirs up thoughts and emotions. But how it approaches this goal is different. Wrap the remainder of the palm over the top-right The Christian contemplation is a mental prayer to God at any time in our lives. The process of Theosis which leads to that state of union with God known as theoria is practiced in the ascetic tradition of Hesychasm. Contemplation is the prayer of the heart and not of the mind. Contemplation, like all prayer, is pure gift, and not anything we can achieve. Far from Feb 22, 2013 · Mental prayer is prayer in one’s own words. Centering prayer is a form of Christian contemplative prayer, to center awareness on the presence of God. Or it happens when we lose consciousness of our own part in it and become simply receptors and carriers of grace. Thursday, December 16, 2021. Teresa, “nothing but a friendly conversation with Him we know loves us. In her book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening*, Cynthia Bourgeault writes that even though we can perhaps find ways to stop “outer noise” it is much more difficult to still May 19, 2017 · CONTEMPLATION: A form of wordless prayer in which mind and heart focus on God’s greatness and goodness in affective, loving adoration; to look on Jesus and the mysteries of his life with faith and love. The path to mysticism is the path of embracing the Divine mystery Contemplative prayer is one of the three “expressions of prayer” described by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (the others are Vocal Prayer and Meditative Prayer). A fruitful time of silence starts with us having a calm spirit and seeking union with God in a sacred space. Spirituality . Today I want to focus on St. Ignatius proposes quite frequently in his Spiritual Exercises. ) My online series on mental prayer called Video Lectio Divina tries to teach Apr 15, 2024 · Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus. The Church teaches us there are three major expressions (or forms) of prayer – Vocal, Meditation, and Contemplation. Put in the light of faithful tradition, the danger of confusion between these two forms of prayer and the LECTIO (Reading): The first step of any Lectio Divina is to read. Basil Pennington and Abbot Thomas Keating, in response to the growing popularity of Asian meditation methods. It happens when prayer becomes, wholly and utterly, the flow of God’s grace, transforming the land it flows through, like Ezekiel’s stream. So immediately we can see that Catholic meditation is a cognitive exercise — prayer seeking understanding; whereas contemplative prayer Over time, contemplative prayer will become easier with practice. Meditation corresponds to the First Water. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart – our whole being – to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond thoughts, words and emotions. Teresa of Avila’s teaching about silence during prayer. A PowerPoint that defines and discusses vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation as ways of discerning God’s will. Apr 9, 2024 · How To Make A Cross With Palms Holding a palm strip fold the widest end in a loop. In part I of this series, I spoke about some ways that Centering Prayer and yoga propose sitting silently as a form of meditation or contemplation. Contemplative prayer may focus on a word or a saying or one may simply be in the presence of God. ). Mark shows Jesus on the cross, suffering alone and crying out to a God who seems to have abandoned him. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him. Caution in Using Contemplative Prayer . Gospel Contemplation is a way of praying that St. -Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2713. Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desireto deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Lord, may our hearts remain open to your presence and guide us to love like you”. Recent research has identified several underlying psychological and biological pathways that explain these benefits. Monday, March 25, 2024. Jun 19, 2020 · The Catechism (2713) goes on to say that contemplative prayer is the simplest expression of the mystery of prayer. Teresa of Avila on Silence in Prayer. Contemplative prayer is a communion in which the Holy Trinity conforms When praying the rosary, it is the song of our heart, as we place our own life before God, to the tempo of the prayers and meditations. I’ve always had an active imagination, so this form of prayer was right up my alley when it was first introduced to me. C ontemplative P rayer 2709 What is contemplative prayer? St. Dec 16, 2021 · Prayer of the Heart. Oct 4, 2021 · Ignatian contemplation allows us to see stories that we may have heard countless times with new eyes. It is a consenting to the relationship and opening to the presence and action of God. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises, 104). Thread starter William777; Start date Aug 21, 2012; Status Sep 21, 2017 · Contemplative prayer is so important because it is the highest form of prayer. Symeon the New Theologian, The Three Methods of Prayer. 4 John Main’s meditation, in his view, is mainline Christian practice from the past, and it is practiced in the rosary or litanies, in the “Jesus prayer” and in the short ejaculatory phrases as taught by Jun 19, 2020 · Centering Prayer is a prayer of relationship – it deepens one’s relationship with the Triune God ( Father, Son and Holy Spirit). It’s a way, so to speak, to say to God, “Here I am, and I choose to wait for you in Hence this is also called discursive mental prayer. Contemplation is more spiritually derived. In contemplation, we seek to make ourselves radically available for the presence of God. Hesychasm (/ ˈ h ɛ s ɪ k æ z əm, ˈ h ɛ z ɪ-/) is a contemplative monastic tradition in the Eastern Christian traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Orthodox Church in which stillness (hēsychia) is sought through uninterrupted Jesus prayer. The main difference between prayer and meditation is that prayer involves belief in a deity and active communication, while meditation requires no beliefs and is an independent practice of nonjudgmental observation. When a person is in contemplation, they feel a greater union with God and experience an intensified longing for God. It is the prayer of someone fully alive to the glory and the presence of God. Say the word silently in your heart. Contemplation means to be present in mind, heart, and body to what is in such a way that allows the individual to be responsive towards Jul 1, 2016 · Contemplation however, especially what is known as “infused contemplation,” is strictly the realm of God’s grace. Bend the thin end of the palm to the right, ceasing a diagonal line. Search inside yourself with your intellect so as to find the place of the heart, where all the powers of the soul reside. Contemplation is a similar practice, though it requires the participation of the self. Contemplation is a gaze of faith, fixed on Jesus…. Time to read: 4 min. The difference lies in how the two modes of prayer are practiced. The key Biblical verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God. Prayer is talking to God, and meditation is allowing God to speak to Oct 13, 2021 · Introduction -- Outline of meditation and contemplation -- "What I wish and desire" -- The body of the prayer: meditation -- The body of the prayer: contemplation -- Before the prayer begins -- Beginning the prayer -- Ending the prayer -- Further counsels for prayer -- Putting it all together: an example -- The fruits of prayer May 2, 2019 · Updated May 02, 2019. Allchin points out in his Introduction to this new edition, Contemplative Prayer also shows us the present day in a new perspective, because we see it in the light of a long and living tradition. Its practice expands one’s receptivity to the presence and activity of God in one’s life Apr 13, 2022 · For example, Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and the Prayer of the Heart are all specific practices with instructions and actions that can be communicated in words, while contemplation is the more experiential resting that is communion in God’s life, beyond the instructions and actions of any practice. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts in the 1970s, Fr. ) St. Contemplation, I think, is just another way of talking about spiritually seeing the beauty of Christ in and through the word of God. g. As Ignatius suggests, notice the people, listen to them, watch what they do [SE, 106, 107, 108]. In contemplative prayer, this activity is curtailed, so that contemplation has been described as "a gaze of faith", "a silent love". Dec 18, 2015 · Contemplative prayer is a communion in which the Holy Trinity conforms man, the image of God, “to his likeness. 1:26. Contemplative prayer is a simple resting in the love of Christ. wf lb qe ok fs mj sb tc wn we