In this article, we'll explore the ancient practice of contemplative prayer and offer practical guidance on how to cultivate silence in our spiritual lives.
Contemplative prayer, also known as silent prayer or prayer of the heart, is a form of prayer that goes beyond words and thoughts to rest in the presence of God.
Unlike vocal or meditative forms of prayer, which involve words or images, contemplative prayer is characterized by an attitude of receptivity and openness to the divine presence.
As St. Teresa of Avila, a renowned mystic and Doctor of the Church, famously said, "Contemplative prayer 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" (The Interior Castle).
At the heart of contemplative prayer lies the practice of silence – not simply the absence of noise, but a profound stillness of the heart and mind that opens us to the presence of God.
In the silence of contemplative prayer, we let go of distractions, worries, and preoccupations, and simply rest in God's presence, trusting that God is at work in the depths of our souls. As the psalmist writes, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
So how can we cultivate contemplative prayer and embrace silence in our spiritual lives? Here are some practical steps to get started:
Set Aside Time for Prayer: Just as we set aside time for other important activities in our lives, it's essential to carve out time for prayer and reflection.
Whether it's first thing in the morning, during a quiet moment in the day, or before bed, find a time that works best for you and commit to making prayer a priority.
Find a Quiet Space: Creating a conducive environment for prayer is essential for cultivating silence and stillness. Find a quiet space free from distractions where you can pray without interruption.
It could be a corner of your home, a peaceful garden, or a quiet chapel or church.
Practice Centering Prayer: Centering prayer is a simple yet profound method of contemplative prayer that involves choosing a sacred word or phrase as a symbol of your intention to consent to God's presence and action within.
Begin by sitting comfortably and quietly, gently closing your eyes, and silently repeating your chosen word or phrase as a way of letting go of thoughts and distractions and surrendering to God's presence.
Be Open to God's Presence: Contemplative prayer is not about achieving a particular state of consciousness or having mystical experiences; it's about opening ourselves to the presence of God as it unfolds in the present moment.
Be open and receptive to whatever arises during prayer – thoughts, feelings, sensations – and simply let them come and go without judgement or attachment.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and acceptance.
In the context of contemplative prayer, mindfulness involves bringing our awareness to the sensations of our breath, the sensations in our body, or the sounds around us as a way of anchoring ourselves in the present moment and letting go of distractions.
Use Scripture or Sacred Texts: Incorporating scripture or sacred texts into your prayer can deepen your experience of contemplative prayer and provide a focus for your reflections.
Choose a passage of scripture, a psalm, or a prayer from the saints, and read it slowly and reflectively, allowing the words to penetrate your heart and mind.
Be Patient and Persistent: Like any spiritual practice, contemplative prayer requires patience, perseverance, and practice.
Be patient with yourself and trust that God is at work in your prayer, even if it doesn't always feel like it. If your mind wanders or you become distracted, gently bring your attention back to your prayer and continue to persevere in your practice.
In conclusion, contemplative prayer and the embrace of silence offer us a sacred space to encounter the presence of God in the depths of our souls.
By setting aside time for prayer, finding a quiet space, practising centering prayer, being open to God's presence, practising mindfulness, using scripture or sacred texts, and being patient and persistent, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and experience the transformative power of contemplative prayer in our spiritual lives.
As we open ourselves to the silence of prayer, may we be drawn ever closer to the heart of God and find rest for our souls in the presence of the divine.