Contemplation may be defined as quiet receptivity. Contemplation allows the object of our contemplation to impact us. As we focus on Christ we receive his influence. He envelopes us and infuses his peace into us. Teresa of Avila (d. 1582) defined contemplation as loving attentiveness, which is also a helpful definition, though we do not need to feel love for God when we do contemplation.
Contemplation teaches us to listen. If God was waiting for you to be still long enough to communicate something important to you, how long would he have to wait? Many of us have busy lives or at least busy minds. God can shout to us if he wants, but he prefers a quieter, deeper connection with us. Contemplation is essentially extended surrendering and listening. A daily habit of several minutes of contemplation will train us to listen to, and receive from, God. Below is a guide to contemplation.
Guide – How to Do Contemplation
- Find a quiet place of solitude.
- Set aside some time, at least five minutes.
- The purpose of contemplation is twofold: (1) to more completely abide in God in Christ, in other words to grow in oneness with him; and (2) to receive any infusions or communications God may want to give to you.
- Until you are experienced with contemplation you may need to begin with centering prayer by picking a biblical word (e.g., love or faith) and repeating it until you relax in it. This will help you to let distracting thoughts fade away.
- Aim for quiet receptivity before God which is the essence of contemplation. You may or may not have feelings of affection for God. We can also describe this as a time of surrender and listening.
- Remain in your quiet receptive state and do not engage in discursive reasoning. Learn to let your heart be still and passive with God. If you start to feel God’s presence so that he is carrying you along then try to remain in this state as long as your schedule allows.
- Do not let distracting thoughts disturb you; just let them fade away. If you have a good idea you can write it down so that you can come back to it later.
- What “happens” doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are submitting to God’s will, opening up to his Spirit and he is quietly working – that is what is “happening”.
- Let any infusions or communications from God sink into your heart. Embrace them. It would be good to record them.
You might want to begin with just five minutes. Contemplation will guide you into abiding in God in Christ and surrendering yourself fully to him. It is your time to “turn off” your efforts and deepen your connection to him, regardless of what happens.
