Contemplative life is a concept that emphasizes the importance of contemplative experiences in the human condition. It involves intentional solitude, being present in the present, and making time to think about one’s thoughts. Activities such as meditation and spending time in solitude can help individuals engage in contemplative practices.
Contemplation is defined as the complacent, loving gaze of the soul on Divine truth, already known and apprehended by the intellect assisted by divine grace. Engaging in a contemplative spirituality ultimately aims to shift our inner sense of self and outer worldview from scarcity to abundance, from consumption to creation. The contemplative life allows one’s heart to become like that of the Master, Jesus, and makes known the presence of the Master through their life.
Contemplation practice aims to develop this capacity and reach a deeper possibility of being more oriented towards the whole of what. It involves being fully present in heart, mind, and body, allowing creatively responding and working toward what could be. For many, the contemplative life is a lifelong journey to God in prayer and worship, turning away from all else that could make the journey less direct.
Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD, defines the contemplative life as “that form of life that directly seeks intimacy with God”. Contemplative living is about living in a true relationship with self, God, others, and nature, through which we discern what is important. Active life interacts with the world and other people, while contemplative life only interacts with abstract objects of the mind.
📹 What is Contemplative Prayer and Why is it so Needed? with Fr. Richard Rohr
“A Long, loving, look at the Real” – If you have not yet discovered contemplative prayer for yourself get ready. Soon you’ll want to …
How to live contemplative life?
A contemplative life, not limited to monks or nuns, can transform one’s life by avoiding sin, self-indulgence, possessions, and sensory stimulation. This lifestyle encourages deeper prayer and divine intimacy. Connie Rossini, a member of St. Peter Parish in Omaha, co-authored “The Contemplative Rosary” and has written four other books on Catholic spirituality. Sign up for weekly updates from the Archdiocese of Omaha.
What are the 4 contemplative practices?
The study aims to assess the individual and combined contributions of contemplative practices (CPB) on overall well-being and nine domains of well-being using a summary index measure of contemplative practices and a multi-dimensional measure of well-being. The research uses survey responses from 19, 743 individuals from three global study sites. Four contemplative practices, including embodied observing meditation, non-reactive meditation, self-compassion, and compassion for others, were used to measure CPB.
The WELL for Life survey was used to measure multi-dimensions of well-being to determine the associations between CPB and overall well-being and its nine constituents. The study aims to extend previous research by examining the association of a more expansive measure of CPB with a broader range of well-being dimensions, such as financial well-being, creativity, and spirituality. The study was conducted across three different cultural contexts, examining the robustness of the associations of CPB with nine specific dimensions of well-being. The study was approved by the Stanford University Institutional Review Board.
What are examples of contemplative activities?
Contemplative practices, such as meditation, yoga, prayer, visualization, labyrinth walking, vigils, pilgrimages, journaling, sacred dance, and meditative strolls, allow us to explore, enrich, and deepen various aspects of our spirituality. By staying present with ourselves during these practices and having an open heart, we can learn from them. Spirituality is an infinite quality, with no timeline or deadline for nurturing it.
However, starting early can lead to immediate benefits. Constant development of spirituality is possible, as Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, NASB, stating that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.
What is an example of contemplation in real life?
Contemplative practices, such as meditation, yoga, prayer, visualization, labyrinth walking, vigils, pilgrimages, journaling, sacred dance, and meditative strolls, allow us to explore, enrich, and deepen various aspects of our spirituality. By staying present with ourselves during these practices and having an open heart, we can learn from them. Spirituality is an infinite quality, with no timeline or deadline for nurturing it.
However, starting early can lead to immediate benefits. Constant development of spirituality is possible, as Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, NASB, stating that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.
What is an example of a contemplative life?
Christian contemplation is a deliberate thought process focused on a specific Scripture or God’s characteristics. It involves reflecting on God’s message through various mediums, such as Bible passages, sermons, devotions, or radio snippets. Contemplation involves being still, such as walking through nature, turning off music or podcasts, and focusing on God and his Word. Aristotle believed that contemplation leads to happiness because it is excellent, continuous, pleasant, self-sufficient, and loved for its own sake. This practice is essential for understanding and knowing God, as emphasized in the psalmist.
What is the contemplative rule of life?
Living a contemplative life requires intention and commitment to surrender to God’s love. This commitment is life-giving and focuses on Centering Prayer and other contemplative practices. Many religious traditions use a “rule of life” as an intentional pattern of spiritual practices that provides structure, balance, and rhythm to life. This rule is crafted in partnership with God through prayer and discernment, considering all aspects of life, including spiritual, emotional, physical, social, family, and work.
A rule of life is not a set of goals or resolutions but rather a flexible and fluid statement that helps us become who God created us to be and guide us in living fully. It is meant to help us live faithfully rather than perfectly and should be revisited periodically as our life circumstances change. Overall, living a contemplative life requires a commitment to God and a commitment to living a life that is meaningful and purposeful.
What are the four contemplative practices?
The study aims to assess the individual and combined contributions of contemplative practices (CPB) on overall well-being and nine domains of well-being using a summary index measure of contemplative practices and a multi-dimensional measure of well-being. The research uses survey responses from 19, 743 individuals from three global study sites. Four contemplative practices, including embodied observing meditation, non-reactive meditation, self-compassion, and compassion for others, were used to measure CPB.
The WELL for Life survey was used to measure multi-dimensions of well-being to determine the associations between CPB and overall well-being and its nine constituents. The study aims to extend previous research by examining the association of a more expansive measure of CPB with a broader range of well-being dimensions, such as financial well-being, creativity, and spirituality. The study was conducted across three different cultural contexts, examining the robustness of the associations of CPB with nine specific dimensions of well-being. The study was approved by the Stanford University Institutional Review Board.
How do I start a contemplative practice?
A contemplative practice can be as simple as pausing and taking slow breaths, which sends a message to the body that it is safe to relax and not need to be on high alert. Other practices include walking, reflective writing, centering prayer, formal meditation, or gratitude practice. Shifting from the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT) roles can help be more mindful in the moment, gathering reactive thoughts and focusing them into a more coherent and positive energy. However, when numb to the moment, it is easy to go on autopilot and dig deeper into the DDT.
What are contemplative activities examples?
The holiday season offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and understanding. Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth, and it’s essential to connect with loved ones, engage in learning opportunities, volunteer, give back to the community, and practice self-care and mindfulness. With the end of the year approaching, it’s crucial to balance the desire to celebrate with the need for introspection. This blog post explores five contemplative activities to enrich your holiday experience with meaning and joy.
The unique atmosphere of the holidays, filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and anticipation, is perfect for activities that deepen our connection to ourselves and others. Engaging in reflective practices can help embrace the spirit of the holidays with a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
What does contemplative lifestyle mean?
The contemplative life, frequently associated with monastic orders, spiritual leaders, intellectuals, and theorists, is distinguished by a profound and rigorous approach to thought.
📹 A look at contemplative life today
Do you find yourself being called to a contemplative life? Have you wondered what life at a Trappist monastery is really like?
Beautiful talk. Just be present. Here and now. Look deeply. Find your own ways to do that. Don’t expect anything to happen. That’s overriding universal flow. Just be there. Participate. Life is full of challenges. Don’t think of them as problems. They are opportunities, gateways. You can learn to almost internally smile when a challenge arises. Just be present then.
I had no idea what contemplative prayer was until now. As a Christian, I pray daily. Many times a day. When I was a 6 7 yr old child, I would walk home from church, talking to Jesus, and everything around me. The bushes, trees, birds,grass, sidewalks, even the air around me.I remember, loving the feeling of complete love, and knowing I was safe, and loved by God, but really didn’t know it was a form of prayer. I had so much adoration for God, at such a young age. I was so innocent. I’m so thankful we have such a loving and forgiving God, I praise, and thank Him daily. God bless everyone. ❤
Several years ago I was caught in a traditional circle of Christians and I’m sad to say extremely dualistic and hateful. I scoffed at anything Father Rohr said. Thankfully, I grew up and started studying other religions but have come full circle back to contemplation and due my best to just be in God’s presence as much as possible and let everything else go 🙏 🙏🙏💗💗💗
Oh thank you so very much, I arrived at 76years of age and wondered why so many of us never got our prayers answered, then we beat ourselves up its because we are a wretched sinner as our R C school/church taught us. Do you know how many of us feel your a real breath of fresh air. It took a long time to reach you to understand why we don’t understand the bible we was never taught it in school, at church the mass was always in Latin I WOULD COME OUT THINKING I NEVER UNDERSTOOD A WORD OF THAT. PRAYER WAS JUST PARROT FASHION. THANK YOU GOD FOR RICHARD ROHR GODS BLESSINGSXXXXXXX THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT articleS I TRULY THANK YOU.
I have Always wanted to reach a contemplative state of mind. I decided a few years ago to practice detachment and discernment and let things go.Duality mind is a subject-object problem that leaves the mind in the sate of confusion that can be removed by the practice of detachment and discernment and then prayer can be used additionally and you will reached contemplation !
I had a walk in the park today. The park is alongside a meandering river. I came across a group of ducks that were leisurely floating and preening their feathers. It made me stop and open up to the Unity of life and the special little things we overlook in every minute of our lives. A few more steps and I came across a piece of moss laden tree bark that was on the ground. The sunlight was on it, and it was resplendent with artistic beauty; almost ethereal. It made me stop again with a profound sense of emptiness that was filled with Glory. And now I came across this article of Fr. Rohr talking about taking in a leaf with a sense of wonder. I think this was all meant to be!
Is it possible to actually do what Richard says (at 6′.10″), to “be content with that (little leaf on the grass), and delight in that . . . ” and truly experience that contentment and delight, rather than simply deciding that it might be possible for someone to feel that way, even though if we’re being honest it doesn’t really delight us in our present state of understanding? I believe that for the mystics it is possible. Why is it possible for them? I believe they have genuinely been shown a model of our existence, of what reality is for us, for earthlings, and how it relates to a reality beyond ours; a “Reality Theory”, or perhaps “Reality Analysis”, hypothesis that provides a big-picture explanation, rudimentary perhaps, of what we and our lives really are. And through that understanding they’ve been given it actually makes perfect sense to be contented and delighted at such small gifts. What does that leave for the rest of us who are not mystics? We can just fake it til we make it as we sit there, BE as if we are experiencing the contentment and delight, and open ourselves, our true selves that RR speaks about, to receiving the understanding they have. Maybe it will happen. If not today then soon. Our life’s purpose becomes then, to ponder the evidence that is around us and sit in silent contemplation, with our awareness of what we’ve perceived, until we derive the understanding that awaits us.
This explanation of Contemplation appears to be influenced by modern new age psychology. Richard Rohr admits he is not there yet, whereas Saints and Doctors Theresa of Jesus and John of the Cross have guided Christians for centuries in Contemplation as they knew and lived it. Richard Rohr’s non-dualistic philosophy sounds contrary to a Christian’s need to distinguish between good and evil. Is there no distinction between right and wrong in false accusations, in murder, in adultery? A person does not need to conclude that there is no distinction between man and woman to conclude that one is not better than the other albeit different. A person does not need to arrive at some pretended enlightenment that there is no difference between right and wrong to arrive at union with God; to the contrary, we are called to follow the Truth. It seems that non-dualistic thinking would be troubled by the fact that we are on the one hand created in the image of, and temples of, God, and on the other hand we are sinners and nothing without God; which also brings us to consider the reality that we have two hands, thankfully not one (though I often find myself wanting more when carrying in the groceries). Unity in consciousness is an acknowledgement and an appreciation of duality, which enables the person to make decisions for or against whatever confronts him or her. Contemplation is not just another word for prayer as commonly understood, although it is life in prayer. It is not an evolutionary result of exercise in the manner as are larger muscles from lifting weights, a result that one acknowledges is deserved from the effort.
Stay in the flow, your gift comes naturally is a perfect description of the open trusting heart surrendered to the movement of the will of the Divine. The objective of my life is to maintain this attitude. Your sincere faithful guidance helps to make possible the union of polarity remembering itself as Source.
In Matthew 6:5-18 Jesus teaches about prayer and fasting. Jesus is meek and lowly Matthew 11:29. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Jesus died for all so that we may be saved. Free from condemnation… free from the bondage of the world… He says to come to Him. We only go to Jesus. Nothing of this world.
Wow! Thanks for such a wholesome explanation brother Richard. So honest, practical and real. When we come to the realization that Christ our Intercessor and “All in all” via His indwelling Spirit is always there for us, this is a great start to letting “…the Peace of Christ rule” and help us to “pray never ceasing”
When Jesus went to pray in the desert, I most assuredly can say that he did not pray anything that would go against Gods word or will. Jesus knew the entire Word of God. He was the word and he knew what Gods will was. John 1:1-14 “In the beginning (before all time) was the Word ( Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was (continually existing) in the beginning (co-eternally) with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life (and the power to bestow life), and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it (and is unreceptive to it). There came a man commissioned and sent from God, whose name was John. This man came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe (in Christ, the Light) through him. John was not the Light, but came to testify about the Light. There it was—the true Light (the genuine, perfect, steadfast Light) which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone. He (Christ) was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own (that which belonged to Him—His world, His creation, His possession), and those who were His own (people—the Jewish nation) did not receive and welcome Him. But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right (the authority, the privilege) to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name— who were born, not of blood (natural conception), nor of the will of the flesh (physical impulse), nor of the will of man (that of a natural father), but of God (that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified).
I have to stop perusal political television. Even EWTN television and live radio is often how he describes it—I’m right, you’re wrong. Our whole political discourse is wholly unhealthy, full of hatred, vindictive. No wonder we are where we are. I gotta find those voices who focus on unity, with God and each other. Is it possible? Gotta make the attempt. For the love of God, we have to try.
Christian contemplation is not only looking, it’s also being present (which is sacrificial). Present to creation, present to the Presence – it is then that we realize that contemplation is also an invitation from Another. It is, fundamentally, a response. This is what distinguishes it from a mere self-discipline, a psychological practice. Contemplation is profoundly interpersonal and transcendent, answering the still, small voice of God. “It is not you who have chosen me, it is I who have chosen you.”
The Long Loving Look at the Real… That`s the synthesis of Contemplation, is so simple, that is to hard to teach… Una Larga Mirada Amorosa a lo Real… Esa es la síntesis de la Contemplación, tan simple, que es demasiado difícil de enseñar… Are great coments of (Son comentarios geniales de) Richard Rohr
I have NEVER heard anyone use the term “fast food religion” in my life and that is the perfect way to describe it now. The have it your way approach and keeping it transactional rather than what it truly is. I am not saying this to judge but more of my astonishment that statement alone connected the dots for me and made me realize I’ve never learned how to properly communicate with anyone until this second.
Thomas Merton was on the true path to God realization. Fr. Richard Rohr is astutely describing the way. An Indian guru, Paramahansa Yogananda came to the US in the 20’s and brought with him a method of meditation called Kryia yoga that he said came from Jesus, to Babaji, who told it to Lahiri Mahasaya who told Sri Yutekswar that a young guru would take this to the states as the direct path to God realization, and that guru was Paramahansa Yogananda who was taught by Sri Yutekswarji, Contemplative prayer is another method to have a relationship with God that is within us.
Rohr’s doublespeak and web of tangled thought is very hard to follow unless you have taken the lure. Then he drags you wherever he, with his great knowing mystic mind wants to take you. You are the fish, he is the fisher. In order to do this the first thing he has to do is disavow identity, or the first premise of logic and reasoning A is A. He calls it dualistic thinking but it is really monistic for it must start with a thing is what it is. This of course leads to A not being Not A. That is not dualism. Rohr’s is dualistic thinking because the first thing it does is sets off the spiritual from the material, or the mind/body problem. In this dualism Rohr goes with the Beginning-less Mind and in doing so will eventual deny substitutionary atonement and that Jesus and the Christ are not the same thing, Jesus being the historical man and Christ the incarnation of God in all matter. How does he know all these things? It’s mystical and you can’t understand it unless you enter the mystical mind. Let go! Caught!
I have the contemplative mind. I delight in times like this morning on my walk when I encountered my two deer. I just stood with them, even though they were scared, and just wanted to be one with them. But then I get yanked out of it. A commercial jet shrieking overhead just enrages me. I don’t know how to avoid that problem. Noise pollution particularly takes me out of contemplation. And it happens a lot. I just bought the book Just This. thank you.
But Father, what do you think of the existence of Satan and what do the scriptures and the saints refer to as the World which has to be opposed? Those two things give the impression that Christianity has been dualistic from the very beginning, unless you say that whole believes in that is a fundamentalist, which would include the likes such as Theresa of Avila.
The spiritual exercises of Ignatius Loyola that include contemplative prayer are programs with occult methodologies and techniques that are being introduced and practiced in churches, seminaries and youth rallies around the world. These exercises are taken from the old Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and are the antithesis of the meditation presented in God’s Word. Other examples of these practices are the Walk to Emmaus, Cursillo, Centering Prayer, Ignatian Awareness, Examen, chanting, biblical imagination, prayers of discernment, and the Jesus Prayer. Disguised Practice? Most evangelicals would immediately reject divination practices like the Ouija board, for example, and see it as a device for contacting evil spirit entities, which the Bible condemns and calls an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). But the Catholic Spiritual Exercises, such as contemplative prayer, appear to the uneducated in God’s Word less threatening as it is disguised under church related activities. The term “contemplative” means to think about something intently. So by the name, one would assume contemplative prayer to be earnest communication with God. However practitioners of these contemplative methods don’t do that. The goal of these practices is to get people beyond thinking and into the realm of “experiencing” God. A tutorial of this movement is The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola which introduces occult visualization. Sadly, these visualized apparitions are demons that take actual forms and usher the practitioner into the world of the occult and away from God.
Fr. thank you so much of your enlightenment of contemplative prayer. This will help me so much in Adoration. I use to think I was the only one who’s mind wonders and thinks constantly. I understand more of how gazing at the Eucharist, like you analogy of the leaf, will help me become closer to prayer and to the Lord. I will begin practicing more now. I just thought I was a lost cause and could never concentrate on that single quiet level.
Hi, we are re-posting this article and others with Fr Richard in our own website (with credits), so we can insert portuguese subtitles. Hope you guys agree, please let us know if there is any issue. We are the brazilian website of World Community for Christian Meditation (wccm.org), thank you so much for this article!
My Prayer to Jesus Christ Son of Almighty God Oh! Precious Lord Jesus, Son of Almighty God my Father, I place all my faith, hope, trust, and love in Thee Whatever may befall me Lord, though dark the hour of the day may be, In all my joys, sorrows, persecutions and sufferings, in this life, though nothing but grief l see, Oh! Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee! As I walk through the valley of the shadow death, Guide me by the Anointing power of Thy Holy Spirit! Deliver me from despair, depression and the sin of doubt, Keep me always in your Sacred Heart! Stay with me on the straight and narrow path. That by the Light of the CROSS, l may never lose my way, Oh! LORD, turn my eyes on Jesus, looking always in His wonderful face! enraptured by the Light of His Loving Sacred Heart, Oh! LORD through JESUS only I pray, keep my faith pure and true. Holy Spirit of Christ my Lord, strengthen me to faithfully endure, to the end of my days of life on earth, always abiding in God our Father’s will. Jesus Lord and Master stay with me, Grant me the Grace to fulfill my Vows of Love for Thee Obedient in humble adoration, worshiping God the Father in LOVE, only through the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, The Way, the Truth, the Tree of Life! The Cross of Christ is the door to Life, And the Door Way through Christ, is the Key to the Kingdom of Eternal Life.. 😇 🕊🙏 📖 ✝️ 📖 🙏 🕊 😇 Opus by Vanessa Thérèse Risi
Only thing I think he may have said poorly or wrong was that it’s their loss at 8:18 – 8:22. I see young men and women in the dating world say this often, if they get rejected it’s the other persons loss. Well, no. It’s everyone that loses. When two people don’t make a connection and get to know one another and the nuances of how they connect both parties lose and sometimes their networks of friends and family lose. When someone doesn’t develop that relationship with God, God loses another loved one. If he truly loves them that will break his heart and if we love God knowing his heart is breaking will break our hearts. Every person that that person doesn’t pray for, every blessing that the world doesn’t receive that was stored for them to simply ask for is lost. There is a silence and a sadness in knowing all that is lost when someone turns away from God or rejects his word. But, as we all probably know, God is not invasive and gives us choice. In the same way, you can’t force or pressure them to get to know God. Rather, you invite them and delight in their coming to Christ and share that delight with them and everyone around, or you let your heart break a little and go to that quiet place within yourself and see if you can comfort God and be comforted by God. My opinion here is subject to being wrong.
God being infinitely great courageous, wise, creative, pure altruistic Charity is also infinitely happy with Himself for being that. And precisely for being that He lovingly wills there also be others who enjoy His happiness, a happiness only such an infinitely good God can rightfully have. So He imagined being those others, experiencing being them, to eventually remember and enjoy Who and How He really is in each one of his thus created spiritual extensions of Himself. During the process for God to experience being but a human creature is compared to enjoying being Who He is in infinitely great blissful joy and delicious peace a constantly being tortured to death. A crucifixion. Which makes Him terribly miss being Himself, and either subconsciously or consciously long for being Himself again, seeking Himself in many ways and things, but not finding cry out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Until also in us God would come to His Life, His Self, and His original happiness again, but now also in each one of the human souls. Which is the second coming, the resurrection and ascension into God’s kingdom and justice, which are in us. But for as long as God is under the impression and belief He is but a human He will not allow Himself that happy making Self-recognition. And that is the inner battle God is waging in humanity, symbolized outside in the conflict you so well describe.
In the silence… the demonic moves… contemplative prayer is a pagan prayer practice… and since pagans worship demons… the mystical experiences one has while engaging in contemplative prayer is demonic. If you do what pagans do… you get what pagans get. 1 Timothy 4:1 is applied to contemplative prayer. Ray Yungen did a great job explaining this in his book, A Time of Departing. Be careful not to do any of what Contemplatives do… do not empty your mind, say mantras or repetitive Scriptures to still the mind, do not sit in the silence attempting to hear God’s voice. Be biblical in your prayer life.
No where does Jesus or any of His apostles taught this in God’s WORD. They teach us to pray and give God thanks and praise. Nothing about new agey contemplation prayers. Come on people. God says to pray His word and realize how awesome He is and how He loves us so much that He becomes human flesh just to die a cursed sinners death to take our punishment for us just so He could make a clear way for us to come live with Him! He took our punishment for us! That’s love.Philippians 4:19 t Think on these things! Whatever is true, lovely, good report, honest…. these are the things to think (think means “meditate”- God’s way, not eastern philosophies ways) this will bring us God’s peace. Stick with the Bible not man’s “new” ideas. Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever! God doesn’t change . God doesn’t lie. God doesn’t bring up NEW ideas. He is unwavering. Unchanging. Doesn’t change His mind. The Bible says test the spirits and see if they are of Jesus Christ or of something other than the trinity- God the Father, God the son, God the Holy Spirit.
It’s really interesting to hear him talk about dualistic thinking like this. Especially when he’s drawing dualistic dichotomies between dualistic thinking and contemplative thought to say that dualistic thought is bad. Maybe he actually means “some” when he says “all”? Maybe he means it isn’t dualistic thinking when he does it? Maybe if I adopt this model of contemplative thinking I won’t see these kinds of distinctions anymore and will just be receptive and accept whatever it is he’s trying to convey.
The real loving work that God accomplished on the cross. He came to die for sinners. Without the real Jesus we are left with the self. The me, myself and I guy and the reality of trying to lay our good works before God and attempt to cover over what Jesus did on the cross. Saved by grace through faith in the real Lord Jesus Christ only. Not man centered but Christ centered. The way to the Father is Christ and the Holy Spirit is given by Jesus. The Three are One. Find Him. Confess sin, repent and surrender to Him. To remain contemplative (meditate) on the Word of God. The old King James Bible and not the new conversions. God never changes.
“Fast Food Religion” is such a great description of the diluted, dull, guilt-ridden version of Catholicism I was raised in. This could not hold up to the view of my developing intellect and I fell away as a youth into a convenient agnosticism. But I sadly threw away the baby with the bathwater. I so much wish I had come across Thomas Keating or Anthony de Mello back then. I and so many of today’s youth were done a disservice by The Church and if The Church is to remain relevant and perhaps undergo a renaissance, contemplative prayer will play an essential part.
Was that a fidget spinner in your hand? Lol I feel like 12 years ago when I was rescued from heroin addiction by Jesus changing my heart, I was able to enter into the flow of fellowship with the Lord much easier than now after the Lord has added many things to my life such as businesses, ministry, etc. I need to learn how to return to that full surrender and not fight for the things I have because they aren’t the Real. When I was faced with losing everything and going to prison years ago because of what I did in my life before Christ I had such peace and joy, because i knew that i knew He was with me. Now that I have been established with Him I fear as though my comfort is becoming a distraction.
I have been searching for contemplative prayer all day. I finally realize why I am so bad at maybe more traditional prayer or why I’m uncomfortable praying outloud and why I have searched to find where it’s ok to ask for things because while I understand it is still good to do this I felt afraid of my own motivations. I have found it easier to just spend time with God as my form of prayer but thought I was doing something wrong because I am often not praying or asking. when I was told it was about a relationship before i became Catholic sometime last year I took that literally and so it is so comforting to find someone speaking about this as I have been drawn to st john lf the cross and st ignatius of loyola for their teachings and while I came to the church in anger about the political state of the western world I have found since even before baptism to be left with peace that God is my higher power and the things happening on earth are no longer leaving me feeling trapped. Thank you for this article it describes so much of my Catholic life and now I finally realize I am not doing anything wrong when I struggle to pray for things in my life even though it is also something I am working towards and trying to reconcile in my prayer life.
The first time I read the words “contemplative prayer” it was cast in a negative light. So I knew I had to look into it. That was over a decade ago and it was one of the first times that I had found a name for a practice that I just did, naturally. Over the next ten years or so many of my personal practices would be revealed as having names and nearly all of them would be disparaged by the modern church. After releasing my attachment to the internal struggle that arises when the heart and the head are in different places I came to a realization. That was a beautiful moment, I laughed and cried simultaneously. Duality is an illusion, there’s no beginning, no end, only now. We all have a road to walk, though the path may be narrow it is easy. One foot goes in front of the other, one breath follows the next. Stay upright and do not think too much and all of life’s decisions become easy. Hello fellow mystics and contemplatives something is happening because we are beginning to find each other.
Sounds a bit kooky. The Bible is littered with people asking God for this and that, to change this and that. Jesus said you don’t have because you don’t ask. To stare at a leaf and think God created that specific leaf for a grand purpose sounds silly to me. What he says is the contemplative life sounds more life a joyful life, to me. And that’s one of the fruits of the spirit. To make the claim that dualism is the opposite of a contemplative life, which seems to be a life filled with joy, seems only possible in a sheltered world. If there is nothing I need to argue over, or fight over, I must have a very peaceful life. However, this is not life for most people. Evil exists, egos (as Rohr says) exist, and so life will bring challenges that must be faced.
I have taken the time to study all the mainline religions and philosophy and in my contemplation of these as well as life itself I have discovered that truth is in everything but it is always mixed with falsehood. I believe that learning to discern the true from the false our eyes open and we begin to see God in everything. God wears a veil which is our false beliefs and biases and once we learn to penetrate these false beliefs and discard them our eyes open to behold God.
You create a straw (prayer) man Mr. Rohr. Jesus did not teach that prayer is just “asking God for things”, which is why he began “The Lord’s Prayer” with Our Father, who is in Heaven, Hallowed be your name…There is no asking there. That is adoration, and not of nature but of our Father. Also, if you read the psalms, which is the prayer book of Israel, there is a whole lot more in there than just asking God for things. You err Mr. Rohr because either you do not know the scriptures or you simply choose to ignore them.
This is one of the most heartbreaking things I have ever heard. If this is what being Catholic Tapatio then obviously you need to did the church start reading the Bible. And I don’t mean to Catholic ladder get a good King James I will be at one for $1 at the Dollar Tree. There is true, Jesus Christ. I will be praying that you find him, and that you find true
It’s such a shame that tee word contemplation has come to mean so many things, inthe understanding of Thomas merton it was non of that teaching wellbeing or meditation is not contemplation but today commercial church is teaching contemplation in weekendand the church is full of contemplatives at aprice in commercial church thomas merton must regret mentioning it,because it is creating those who consider themselves spiritual elete like hippy movement in the sixtys if anybody does know contemplation they certainly wouldn’t cheapen it.
This has a name in the Pentacostal tradition. It is called “communing with the Holy Spirit” and the thing you call the universal christ is actually what they call the Holy Spirit. I no longer consider myself christian or religious at all but my desire to commune with the spirit of the universe has never ceased. Its interesting to here about this with such different language used. Validates my belief that the spirit of love and light in the universe, what you call christ and others call the holy spirit is not one thing limited to Jesus or one set of religious stories. Thank you.
Since when has the model of prayer Jesus gave us is outdated.. this is mysticism this is not biblical !!… our Father prayer is a model.. to praise God agreeing with our father for His kingdom to come and to agree with His will. Ask God to take care of daily needs to survive .. acknowledge our trespasses against others and to know we must forgive others .. understand temptations come and we are in a spiritual battle and a plea to be protected from evil.. acknowledge God as the creator the owner of this universe this creation it all belongs to Him and He is all powerful! And all glory goes to Him!! No need for mysticism and no need to worship the creation but to worship the creator.. this what you are selling is eastern mysticism not biblical Christianity!
The word of God is a sword, a sword will always create dualism when it cuts. Jesus came to bring a sword. I will love all, but i will cut false from truth with my bible. It is called the spirit of discernment. But he has points, there is no love in judging people, love unites. Love people and leave judgement to God’s word.
Well Fr. Richard, what you are talking about is meditation and in some cases it’s silence, not contemplation. Traditional christian contemplation (especially if you are describing it from the experience of the desert fathers and mystics) is an infused gift. You cannot do anything to get it but you can practice meditation and silence with the hope of recieving the gift.
Indeed, contemplative prayer: Practicing the Presence of God…Being Wholly Present to His Presence…and it is a beautiful thing… (btw – I can achieve this approach in most areas, except when dealing with lunatic, LEFTISTS Drmocrats!!! GOD HELP ME & HELP OUR NATION SEE THE TRUTH…VOTE THEM OUT…and CLEAN UP & CLEAN OUT OUR GOV’T!!!…C what I mean….But I DO Believe God has a plan and it is coming forth. TY, Lord!!!)
What do you want from a guy who allows people to call him Father? He is a mystic and acolyte of the beast of Rome. So far from Rich I have that the Spirit is a woman and needs to be re-gendered, we need to rewire our mind (which the Word says is unreliable), and we need to rediscover a “higher truth” by not asking God plainly for what we need. He is Deepak Chopra in a frock. And of course you get the advance book sale.
I’ll stay away from mystic practices clothed in Christian words. ‘To the law and to the testimony! If they don’t speak according to this there is no light in them’ Contemplative prayer, spiritual formation, breathing and silence and visualisation aren’t methods used by God. We have Hjs Holy word as a guide
“How lovely is your dwelling place O Lord God of Hosts”. Beautiful, Brothers may you grow in Vocations. You live the Cistercian Life so beautifully, God bless you, and Yes Fr Prior, God has plans for Mepkin. Never has The World needed the Monastic Life then now, with all that is going on in the World,Pray for us all and for Peace on Earth.
Hello Monks! Beautiful and inspiring article. You all live in a little paradise. So glad you open your piece of heaven to all people. Keep up your good work, and may the Good Lord bless you with many more monks to keep this blessed place alive. Your vocation is sorely needed in this crazy world. Thank you all for giving your lives to the Lord. Keep on praying!
Mepkin Abbey is truly a breath of fresh air. I have walked its grounds a number of times over the year and a half I have lived here in South Carolina and every time I experience the Mepkin I walk away with new hope, a new revelation and a reawakening of my spirit and soul. I have purchased many things in their sweet gift shop. I have a beautiful cactus growing outside my home that I bought last year at the garden sale. Whenever I need a moment to just let it all go, I go to Mepkin. I truly appreciate the brothers and the life that they live. Not many have that deep relationship with God but through them you feel God’s presence while you are there. Thank you.
We can all bring contemplative life to our lives. Pray, simplify your life, work with your hands, be grateful, grow in suffering, learn to live in silence, obey Christ and the path he set out for you regardless of your will and spend time alone, teach the value of contemplative habits to your family. Peace is priceless. God Bless you all. xo
Hiding from real life is a psychosis of overwhelming self-importance, a form of Narcissism, and the pretense that such a lifestyle has anything at all to do with self-invented holiness is rubbish. No where does Holy Scripture teach true believers are to hide under a rock in some cloistered garden, as in Mt.25:14-46, which tells us these people have no portion with Christ.