Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church offers many pathways for laypeople to engage in contemplative practices and deepen their connection with God. Contemplative prayer, as described by St. Teresa of Avila, is a close sharing between friends, a profound communion with God marked by silence, humility, and an open heart. It involves surrendering to God's will, cultivating inner peace, and seeking spiritual growth. This can be achieved through various practices, such as Lectio Divina (divine reading), meditation, and prayer tools like prayer beads and candles. While monasteries are known for preserving contemplative prayer, laypeople have also played a significant role in its preservation. Some notable contemplative writers include Franciscan monks Richard Rohr and Ilia Delio. The Franciscan Order, in particular, has extended beyond institutional Catholicism, welcoming both Catholics and Protestants. Other contemplative lay orders include Benedictine oblates, Lay Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, and Lay Dominicans. These groups offer Catholics diverse opportunities for association, service, learning, and worship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prayer | Prayer beads, candles, icons, silence |
| Meditation | Stillness, solitude, silence |
| Reading | The Cloud of Unknowing, Scripture, Gospels |
| Membership | Benedictine oblates, Lay Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Lay Cistercians, Lay Dominicans, Focolare, Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity (SOLT), Opus Dei |
| Mortification | Fasting, labour, abstinence |
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What You'll Learn
Contemplative prayer
In Catholicism, contemplation is more than just thought or action; it is a profound communion with God, often characterised by silence, humility, and an openness to the divine. Contemplative prayer is a pathway to experiencing God's grace and achieving inner peace. It is a practice of loving surrender and faith, drawing believers closer to God.
The Catechism describes contemplative prayer as "the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love." St. Teresa of Avila defines it as "a close sharing between friends," while St. John of the Cross describes contemplation as "a secret, peaceful and loving infusion from God, enkindling the soul with a spirit of love." Contemplative prayer is an inner prayer where our attention is fixed on the Lord Himself.
To practice contemplative prayer, one must first simplify their life by eliminating distractions and creating space for peaceful prayer and meditation. This can be done through the use of prayer tools such as beads, candles, or icons to foster a sacred atmosphere. One can then begin with moments of stillness and focused prayer each day, gradually deepening their spiritual life and relationship with God.
One method of contemplative prayer is Eucharistic adoration, where individuals gaze at the Eucharist in silence, feeling love and simply "being" with the Eucharist. This is known as the Prayer of Simplicity or active contemplation. Another form is Centering Prayer, which involves reaching out for God through the will and love, using a repeated word to re-center the will.
Father William Meninger of St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado, teaches contemplative prayer as presented in "The Cloud of Unknowing," a 14th-century book instructing a novice monk in contemplative meditation. This form of prayer has been called a masterpiece of spirituality, offering a pathway to a deeper connection with the Divine.
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Lectio Divina
There are four steps to Lectio Divina: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio. Each step is often thought of as a "rung on a ladder", leading up to the "pure experience of God" in contemplatio. The process can also be conceptualized as circular, with each step enhancing the experience of the others.
- Lectio: This is a slow, prayerful, deliberate reading and re-reading of Scripture. The passage used is generally a small section of Scripture, perhaps one verse or just part of a verse. The key is to slow down the distracted mind and focus fully on the passage.
- Meditatio: By using your imagination, enter into the Biblical scene to "see" the setting, the people, and the unfolding action. It is through this meditation that you encounter the text and discover its meaning for your life.
- Oratio: This is your personal response to the text: asking for graces, offering praise or thanksgiving, seeking healing or forgiveness. In this prayerful engagement with the text, you open yourself up to the possibility of contemplation.
- Contemplatio: In the Christian tradition, "contemplation" does not mean "thinking deeply about something", but rather the opposite – moving beyond thought to an experience at a deeper level of the mind or soul. In the process of Lectio Divina, contemplatio is often referred to as resting in God, beyond thoughts, beyond words, and beyond images.
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Contemplative writers
There are many contemplative writers who can guide you on your spiritual journey. Two of the most notable writers active today are Franciscan: Richard Rohr and Ilia Delio.
Historically, there have been many great mystics, including St. Bonaventure, Angela of Foligno, John Dun Scotus, and Thea Bowman.
St. Francis de Sales, for example, wrote about the importance of "fasting and labor" in subduing the body and turning towards God. He emphasized that "constant habitual moderation is better than excessive abstinence, alternated with great indulgence."
Another important writer, St. Bernard, described contemplation as the highest form of human worship, an act of adoration and self-surrender to God.
For those seeking a more practical guide to contemplative prayer, "The Cloud of Unknowing" is a 14th-century book that provides detailed instructions. Father William Meninger, a monk at St. Benedict's Monastery in Colorado, teaches contemplative prayer based on this book during his four months of travel each year.
Additionally, there are many books available that explain the Liturgy of the Hours, a collection of daily psalms, hymns, prayers, and Scripture readings, which can be a powerful tool for those seeking to grow in contemplative prayer.
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Contemplative orders
There are many contemplative orders within Catholicism, each with its own unique charism or identity. These include Benedictine oblates, Lay Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Lay Cistercians, and Lay Dominicans. Some groups are more conservative, while others are more progressive, charismatic, or apostolic (focused on service and outreach).
The Franciscans, for example, have three main groups: the Secular Franciscan Order within Catholicism, the Anglican Society of Saint Francis, and the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans. The latter two groups do not require members to be practising Catholics. The Benedictines and Cistercians also welcome members from other denominations in some cases.
Other contemplative orders within Catholicism include Focolare and the Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity (SOLT). Opus Dei is also well-known, though often for controversial reasons. These groups offer lay Catholics opportunities to associate, serve, learn, and worship together.
Practices of Contemplative Orders
Contemplative practices are pathways to experiencing God's grace and drawing closer to Him. They involve simplifying one's life by eliminating distractions and excessive screen time to make room for peaceful prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Prayer tools such as beads, candles, or icons can help to foster a sacred atmosphere.
Contemplative prayer, as described by St. Teresa of Avila, is a "close sharing between friends," a profound communion with God marked by silence, humility, and an open heart. It is an act of adoration and self-surrender, as described in "The Cloud of Unknowing," a 14th-century book on contemplative meditation.
The Liturgy of the Hours, or Divine Office, is a collection of daily psalms, hymns, prayers, and Scripture readings that can be used as a tool for contemplative prayer. It is open to both the clergy and dedicated laity.
Benefits of Contemplative Life
The contemplative life brings honour to God and great good to the soul, enabling salvation and blessings for others. It is a way of living that facilitates contemplation and excludes all other preoccupations. Through contemplation, one seeks to know and love God, turning away from sin, self-indulgence, and worldly possessions to re-orient towards God.
By embracing mortification, or turning away from one's own will to embrace God's, individuals can deepen their prayer life and experience divine intimacy. This transformation of the mind and spirit leads to inner peace and spiritual growth, solidifying one's connection with the Divine.
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Mortification
The Desert Fathers emphasised that mortification is a means, not an end, and should be approached with prudence. They caution against severe mortifications without the guidance of a spiritual director. Practising mortification for physical pleasure is considered a sin, and mortification due to scrupulosity (similar to OCD) is discouraged.
Internal mortification, such as the struggle against pride and self-love, is essential according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. External mortification, such as fasting, can also be beneficial if it aligns with a spirit of internal mortification. Saint Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church, emphasised the practice of mortification, believing it was necessary to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. She understood that by disciplining the senses and emotions, one could create space for a deeper union with God.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic contemplative prayer is allowing God to intervene in our minds and hearts, focusing on Him, praying to Him, praising Him, and listening to Him. It is a profound communion with God, often characterized by silence, humility, and a heart open to the divine.
Examples of Catholic contemplative practices include Lectio Divina (divine reading), simplifying your life to make room for God, and incorporating prayer tools such as prayer beads, candles, or icons.
There are many groups to choose from, including Benedictine oblates, Lay Carmelites, Secular Franciscans, Lay Cistercians, and Lay Dominicans. Each group has its own identity based on its gifts, mission, or history, so it is important to consider what aligns best with your interests and beliefs.
While some groups require members to be practicing Catholics, there are also groups that welcome individuals from other faiths or no faith at all. For example, the Anglican Society of Saint Francis and the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans do not require members to be practicing Catholics.
Start small by carving out a consistent time of day where you can be alone and in silence, even if it's just for five minutes. Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart, read a section of the four Gospels (especially the words of Christ), reflect on it, and think about how it might apply to your life.
