Contemplative Prayer, often called Centering Prayer, adds depth of meaning to all prayers. While praying in silence, we move from more active modes of prayer to a prayer of resting in God. As a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Christ, it is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer.
For St. Teresa of Avila “contemplative prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. Don’t confuse this state as empty silence. I am speaking of turning inward and listening.” For further reading in the Catholic Catechism: CCC 2709-2719, 2724, 2739-2741.
In the 20th century, Cistercian monk and mystic Thomas Merton reminded us of this early church tradition, which Gregory the Great (6th century) called “resting in God.” Merton said “meditation and contemplative prayer, is … a way of resting in Him, who we have found, who loves us, who is near to us. It is a prayer of silence, simplicity, contemplative and meditative unity.” Contemplative Prayer, as espoused by Thomas Merton and many others, is practiced around the world. We are blessed to offer it here in our Parish.
People of all faiths are welcome. There are no requirements for attendance. Come as often as your schedule allows.
Each time we gather, we begin anew with Lectio Divina, a traditional Christian way of cultivating friendship with Christ and listening to Scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ. Our 30-minute-period of silent Contemplative Prayer follows.
For more information please contact Martha Johnston (martha@marthajohnston.com) Annunciation Social Concerns Committee Member.
For St. Teresa of Avila “contemplative prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. Don’t confuse this state as empty silence. I am speaking of turning inward and listening.” For further reading in the Catholic Catechism: CCC 2709-2719, 2724, 2739-2741.
In the 20th century, Cistercian monk and mystic Thomas Merton reminded us of this early church tradition, which Gregory the Great (6th century) called “resting in God.” Merton said “meditation and contemplative prayer, is … a way of resting in Him, who we have found, who loves us, who is near to us. It is a prayer of silence, simplicity, contemplative and meditative unity.” Contemplative Prayer, as espoused by Thomas Merton and many others, is practiced around the world. We are blessed to offer it here in our Parish.
People of all faiths are welcome. There are no requirements for attendance. Come as often as your schedule allows.
Each time we gather, we begin anew with Lectio Divina, a traditional Christian way of cultivating friendship with Christ and listening to Scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ. Our 30-minute-period of silent Contemplative Prayer follows.
For more information please contact Martha Johnston (martha@marthajohnston.com) Annunciation Social Concerns Committee Member.