Hello, friends. I’m always surprised when Christians are hostile to, or alarmed by, the idea of contemplative prayer. They ask questions about how safe it is to “empty your mind”, and seem to feel much safer if they do all the talking. However, contemplative prayer doesn’t mean emptying the mind. It simply means putting everything else aside for a time, in order to focus solely on God. Personally, I usually move into contemplation after I’ve prayed about all the concerns on my mind. That way, there is automatically a bit less that feels the need to intrude!
Conversation with God
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46, 10).
Be silent before the Sovereign Lord (Zephaniah 1:7).
Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love he Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
Prayer is a conversation with God –
But if we never stop talking,
How can we listen for his voice?
Prayer is a relationship with God –
But if we never stop thinking,
How can we focus on his presence?
Lord,
Help me to set aside
My endless thoughts and words
For a time.
Help me to open myself to you
In heart and mind,
In body and soul.
Help me to wait on you quietly,
Enter your presence,
And listen for your voice.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.