This week we prayed the collect for Proper 26 and discussed contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer, also known as Christian meditation, centering prayer, the Jesus Prayer, and apophatic prayer. Join us as we discuss some of these methods, our own practices of them, and where one might begin! 

Notes:

1. The collect this week was Collect for Proper 26 from Book of Common Prayer, p. 235.

2. Contemplative Prayer is a practice and discipline, but not one with predictable results. It is important to separate the practice from our emotional results— the goal is to get closer to God, not to achieve some sort of spiritual high. Spiritual growth is not something that has easily visible results.

3. Thomas Merton quote: “Do not judge the value of meditation by how we feel.” From Contemplative Prayer

4. We talk about practicing through a time of struggle, both in meditation and other things such as going to therapy. If we quit when it gets difficult, we don’t get anywhere?

5. We recommend starting small; five or ten minutes to start, praying attention to the breath or repeating a prayer such as “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” If you are a visual person, light a candle, or if you can’t focus with your eyes open like Ben, close your eyes!

6. The quote Ben read is from Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation By Martin Laird, pg.15 

7. Ben gives some more practical advice about getting started around 25:00

8. Ending quotes: “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. St. Augustine: “May I know you, may I know myself.”

Join us next week for a conversation about the spiritual discipline of confession, and the rite of reconciliation in the Book of Common Prayer! We’ll be having a special guest on our upcoming episode so tune in!