Contemplative Prayer.

In our introduction to Christian prayer (see Introduction) we described prayer as 'communication' between ourselves and God, most usually with 'words'. Sometimes in prayer, however, words are not enough - or even, words are 'too much' - here, contemplative prayer may be the answer. Christian contemplative prayer is the practice of praying without words, or prayer in which words are less significant or secondary.

In contemplative prayer the Christian often focusses upon an object, or holds one particular thought, in order to release their mind from all secular distractions. The aim is to become completely open to God, offering Him full concentration, absorbed by His presence. This might lead you to believe that contemplative prayer is for some sort of elite follower and practitioner, those that are able to dedicate the whole of their life to God - perhaps in a monastery or convent, or as a hermit cut off from the outside world. Let's explore contemplation further.

Contemplative prayer is central to the spirituality of 'Celtic' Christians. It is a joy for the Celtic Christian to develop an awareness of God in creation, in the patterns and rythmns of time - daily, monthly, seasonally and annually. Celtic Christians also open themselves to encountering God in the pattern of their daily duties at home or in the workplace. Celtic Christians regularly demonstrate that 'church' can be maintained without walls, as God is seen at work in their community and circle of experience.

Celtic Christianity is all about perceiving God in whatever context one finds oneself. In order to 'perceive' God in all aspects of our lives and our surroundings, we need to be perpetually open to God, constantly listening for Him, striving to align our lives with His pattern. We need to be constantly 'at prayer'.

Perhaps now you can begin to understand that such constant prayer cannot possibly mean being in constant 'verbal' communication with God. Verbal prayer is, by its nature, momentary - however short or long that moment may be. Verbal prayer has a beginning and end, and a subject matter or content. Contemplative prayer, conversely, is perpetual, ongoing, open ended and expresses itself as love. The contemplative carries this demeanour through all aspects of life, however grand or mundane. The prayer of contemplation takes all the wide variety of human experience, gathered from all the senses, and offers them to God.

Contemplative Prayer for Everyone!

So, you see, you are ideally placed to engage in contemplative prayer! But, where do you begin? How do you go about it? Well, if you are reading the contents of this website, you have already begun! You are already taking steps on your journey to develop a greater awareness of God, and a deeeper intimacy with God in prayer.

To engage in contemplative prayer more fully, you might like to begin to offer aspects of your daily life to God by making the effort to concentrate upon Him whilst walking, commuting, or performing other 'mundane' tasks. Many Christians who engage in prayers of contemplation actually use words to help clear the mind of secular 'earthly' distractions. Constant repitition of a short prayer or scripture verse is ideal for this, and the words will quickly become insignificant or secondary. The 'Jesus Prayer' is a good place to start:

"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner."

Wherever we find ourselves, in a secluded valley or on the shores of lake and sea, in a town or market-place, God is there. Even in a busy city, with our senses bombarded by urban sounds and smells, God can be found. Indeed, there are an increasing number of city spaces being set aside for those that wish to sit and ponder - parks, city nature reserves, balconies, office corners and quiet rooms.

Contemplation is a deeply rewarding prayerful exercise, and is readily accessible to all. Move beyond words, move closer to God.