CONTEMPLATION: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Thomas Merton's teachings on contemplation and contemplative prayer, human becoming, monasticism, and Catholic consciousness/social thought are the subjects for this page.
Merton was not formulaic and felt that words and methods can distract from true prayer.
Quieting thoughts and stilling the mind allows the spirit to be receptive and present with God; God knows the heart, and God knows our needs before we profess them. Prayer is an act of worship, of opening oneself up to the Holy Spirit becoming vulnerable and receptive. Intention and true presence, interest, and receptivity are elements of meaningful prayer.
It is not complicated, breathing in and out; Merton said prayer is as easy as breathing!
It is easy to pray a simple chant, for example, Kyrie Eleison, Christi Eleison.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," "My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth," and "Bless the Lord oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits" can quiet our minds and open our hearts to the Holy Spirit.
Lectio Divina is an ancient Christian prayer practice.
Read more about it here: lectio-divina.indd (usccb.org)
The Steps of Lectio Divina
(These steps are concepts; if you become familiar with them, you will intuitively develop your own way of prayer through this guide)
- Choose a text of the Scriptures that you wish to pray.
- Place yourself in a quiet environment. Calm your anxieties and thoughts, and acknowledge God's presence.
- Offer a prayer to the Holy Spirit for inspiration and guidance: Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart and mind to listen to your Word.
1. Lectio: Read the text slowly and prayerfully, constantly listening for that word that God has prepared for you. You may want to re-read the same text multiple times to help quiet yourself indoors and focus on God's voice. Listen and receive the Word that God speaks to you.
2. Meditation: When a word or phrase strikes you, stop and rest with it. Repeat the word or phrase to yourself. Allow it to speak to you in a personal way by pondering the word in your heart reflecting on what it means to you. Memorize it and repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your thoughts, hopes, memories, and desires.
3. Oratio: Prayer is your response to God's word. It begins your dialogue with God that comes from your heart. Formulate a prayer as a response to God. What do you want to say to the Lord in response to the Word spoken to you? Enter this loving conversation with God.
4. Contemplatio: Rest in God's presence and receive His transforming embrace. Sit still with God, realizing that in this deep and profound relationship, words are not necessary. Be content and at peace with a wordless, quiet rest in God, which brings joy to the heart. Remember that contemplation is not your action or doing; rather, it is allowing God to act in you.
