Contemplative prayer is a journey that tends to pass through three phases, from meditation (me and God) to contemplation (God and me) to communion (only God). Contemplative prayer is a form of silent prayer that involves simply being with God in a state of openness, receptivity, and adoration. It is often referred to as “listening prayer” or “resting in God”. The goal of contemplative prayer is not to make requests or petitions of God, but rather to enter into a deeper relationship with Him by being fully present to Him in the present moment. It is a form of prayer that emphasizes the desire to simply be in God’s presence, rather than to seek something from Him.
Prayer of the Heart
An old definition of prayer described it as “the raising of the heart and mind to God.” The mind thinks, it questions, plans, worries and fantasizes. The heart is what knows; it loves. The mind is the organ of knowledge and love.
Time to Pray
Prayer is usually taught to ask God for what we or others want and need. The other half is the prayer of the heart where we are not thinking of God or talking to him or asking for anything.
Prayer, like good works, must not be merely outward. Prayer is a humble and unselfconscious work which helps us to discern reality.
