This week, we continue to explore one of three types of prayers. We have learned about collects and litanies. This week we will learn more about
contemplative prayer.
What does it mean to contemplate?
One of my favorite formation resources is Adele Ahlberg Calhoun's
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us
.
In the section about contemplative prayer (p. 211-214), she shares that the desire of people practicing contemplative prayer is "to develop an open, restful receptivity to the Trinity that enables (us) to always be with God just as I am."
What do you think it means to develop an "open, restful receptivity to the Trinity"?
What does it mean to "be with God just as I am"?
I love this. This idea-this practice- of resting in God's grace, just as we are. Nothing to prove here. No eloquent words needed.
With intention and prayer, we wait "with a heart awake to God's presence and God's Word. This kind of prayer intentionally trusts and rests in the presence of the Holy Spirit deep in our own heart."
Contemplative prayer is a practice. It becomes a habit when we practice daily, weekly, monthly, and beyond. I still struggle with regular contemplative prayer; however, I am very grateful that every Wednesday, I have an opportunity to practice with a group of people over Zoom.
Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., we have
morning meditation.
Contemplative prayer is a form of meditation where we let go- we quiet our minds to rest in God's presence.
I invite you to join us on Wednesday.
Our summer intern through the
Young Priest Initiative,
Chris Ochillo, will be facilitating this week.
This offering includes 20 minutes of silent meditation. Yes, you read that right, 20! For some, that may sound short. For others, it may seem like 20 minutes too long. Good news: it's on Zoom. You can turn off your video if you are feeling antsy. You can wiggle around. You can explore this practice that may be unfamiliar or you can simply join us for one minute. Take this time to think about what contemplative prayer is and how you may incorporate pieces of it into your lives.
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A practice for this week, which is found in Calhoun's book:
"One way to quiet our minds is to quiet our bodies.
Spend five minutes
intentionally relaxing your body and breathing deeply.
Afterward,
spend five minutes
noticing where your mind wants to go.
Offer your noticing to God.
Then
let go
and
open yourself
to God's love.
Be receptive
to a prayer God may be giving you to say.
End your prayer by
breathing in God's love.
Go with the awareness
that your every breath is God's gift."
Amen
.
