Contemplation is simply gazing on something in order to absorb it, not to analyze it or figure it out. Other words that describe contemplation are attentiveness and watching. We could also call it quiet receptivity. An example of contemplation that many of us do is watching a sunset. Usually, when we watch a sunset we just gaze and enjoy. We don’t need to analyze the physics of a sunset or really think about anything; we are just observing and absorbing. You benefit from contemplation through experiencing whatever you contemplate.
Contemplative prayer is simply contemplation directed at God. It is not meditation, which is ruminating over something and trying to gain understanding. Meditation is good but it is different from contemplation. In contemplation we simply become attentive to God or whatever we sense God might be doing inside us. In the Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition people sometimes use the phrase “being in God’s presence” to describe their contemplation.
Contemplation edifies us by bonding us closer to God and transforming us into Christ’s image. This is the point of 2 Corinthians 3:18, which establishes a connection between gazing on Christ and becoming like him:
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
Hebrews 12:1-2 also describes this contemplation/transformation process:
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
In contemplative prayer, we invite Him to do whatever He wills, especially showing us ourselves. Sometimes we may come with a prayer such as “God, please reveal my false self”, or “Lord, please reveal the deeper motivations of my heart, and tell me why I can’t overcome my anger.” If we resist opening up, then we will miss out on the transformation and grace He has for us. Instead, we should welcome the truth, knowing God loves us as we are. As one writer has put it, we are learning to be open to the truth of who we are, with the God who is.
You may also experience the blessing of God’s felt presence. It may be strong enough that everything else is forgotten and you can just enjoy His presence and who He is. It is good to just stay in that place for a time. But you may not sense his presence, yet he is working and transforming even if you don’t feel it.
Look for a quiet, relaxing place in which to practice contemplative prayer—a place that allows for a slower pace. Let all the pressures and concerns of daily life slowly fade away like a sunset. Allow stray thoughts to float away like leaves carried away by a stream. Using a single word like “Jesus,” or “faith,” can help to focus and settle our minds. Then let go of the word after a little while.
Then just stay silent and still. You may find yourself in a kind of darkness because spiritual sight is not yet developed enough to discern God. Just rest in this place, attentive to any movements of God, or to revelations about yourself. If something does happen, then respond and interact. Don’t be religious or say what you believe you are supposed to say, but rather, just be real. Honesty is the first door to growth.
Perhaps nothing will happen during this prayer time. Maybe your thoughts never quiet down. Maybe you’ll fall asleep. In time you will acquire more ability to just rest in quiet receptivity. What “happens” each time doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are submitting to his will, opening up to His Spirit and bonding with him – that is what is “happening”. If possible, find someone who understands contemplation (i.e. being in God’s presence) who can encourage you monthly or even weekly during this time. He or she will help make it less of a struggle.
