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Contemplation—Stop, look and listen! Prayer deepens and expands when we contemplate God and the gift of life. The fullest expression of this is the contemplative action, a life that prays through the events of our days and lives through the events of our days prayerfully. This life keeps aware of the loving presence of God. The mind’s eye is attuned to the moving of God’s spirit and the gifts of God’s grace throughout the day. A life of contemplation begins by quieting down or centering. Finding a regular place to be is the first step. A place of silence and beauty helps. Silence is considered the first language of God. The scriptures invite us to “be still.” People move towards the quiet in various ways. Some write down the things on their minds as a way to empty oneself and let God hold and work on the concerns. Some do relaxation exercises, including sitting in a relaxed position and paying attention to one’s breathing. Some meditate on an image or a phrase from a philosophy or hymn or scripture — an in an effort to become still before the presence of God. In the stillness, be aware of the loving Presence of God. Listen deeply to a scripture verse or passage, a part of your life, or a sense of being loved by God and loving others. The heart of contemplation is a sense of God’s presence and the gifts that come from God. The more time spent in this contemplative prayer, the more our lives are shaped by this prayer and this loving presence. |
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