To say it plainly, the contemplative dimension of prayer is essential to a fully actualized prayer life, one capable of embracing our communion with God. To begin to address why one can make such a bold claim, we must first be clear that contemplation does not refer to a particular prayer practice or style – although some practices seem to lead more readily to contemplation, almost any prayer practice can be contemplative if entered into with a proper disposition. Rather, contemplation is an act of the Godself, a state of prayer in which God leads and the “pray-er” remains fully receptive and surrendered. In essence, the contemplative practice has its foundations in the sincere intention to truly put God first, and in a most primal way, for we surrender even the need to control something as deeply personal as prayer itself. Granted, none of us ever achieves this perfectly, because it’s not within the limited capacity of our frail humanity to do so. However, if we are ultimately unwilling to earnestly attempt surrender our expectations, our thoughts, and even our way of thinking, then we must recognize that we have made idols out of these very things. Contemplative practice is the true practice of having “no other gods [or anything else before me.”
Please join Deacon Bob Smerek and the MMOC Contemplative Core Team for “Contemplative Conversations – An Evening of Reflection and Dialogue on Contemplative Practice” on September 23 at 6:30 pm in church. Contact us at [email protected] or 314-578-0062 for more information!
Submitted by Andy Dapron