What is the difference between contemplative prayer and meditation prayer?

While both are forms of prayer, the fundamental difference between meditation and contemplation is that meditation is a human mode of prayer whereas contemplation is divinely infused. It is a prayer of quiet calmness in which we drink deeply, as it were, at the life-giving fount.

What is contemplative prayer?

What is contemplative prayer? ‘ Contemplative prayer seeks him ‘whom my soul loves’. It is Jesus, and in him, the Father. We seek him, because to desire him is always the beginning of love, and we seek him in that pure faith which causes us to be born of him and to live in him.

What is meditative prayer?

Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to become aware of and reflect upon the revelations of God. Christian meditation is the process of deliberately focusing on specific thoughts (such as a Bible passage) and reflecting on their meaning in the context of the love of God.

Is contemplative prayer the same as Centering Prayer?

The name was taken from Thomas Merton’s description of contemplative prayer (a much older and more traditional practice) as prayer that is “centered entirely on the presence of God”. Father Thomas Keating has promoted both Lectio Divina and Centering Prayer. However, some people consider Centering Prayer controversial.

What is the highest level of prayer?

Contemplative prayer follows Christian meditation and is the highest form of prayer which aims to achieve a close spiritual union with God. Both Eastern and Western Christian teachings have emphasized the use of meditative prayers as an element in increasing one’s knowledge of Christ.

What are the key features of contemplative prayer?

contemplative prayer — which usually involves the silent repetition of sacred words or sentences, with focus and devotion. contemplative reading — or simply “contemplation”, which involves thinking deeply about the teachings and events in the Bible.

Is the rosary a meditative prayer?

Many religions have meditation practices that calm the mind – this practice (Rosary) would be an example. The other type of meditation is referred to as ‘open monitoring meditation. The Rosary has a set of introductory prayers, and a closing prayer.

How do you practice contemplative prayer?

How to practice centering prayer

1. Choose a word. This word, called a sacred word, should represent your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within you.
2. Introduce the word. Sit comfortably and with your eyes closed.
3. Settle deeply into prayer.
4. Gently conclude the time of prayer.

How do you lead a contemplative prayer?

How to practice centering prayer

1. Pick a time. Set aside at least 20 minutes to practice centering prayer.
2. Select a peaceful space. Look for a space where you can focus on prayer and be undistracted.
3. Let go of objectives.
4. Allow thoughts to pass freely.
5. Know that you might fall asleep.
6. Steps of centering prayer.

What are the three levels of prayer?

The three prayer levels are mainly kingly, priestly and prophetic.

What’s the difference between contemplative prayer and meditation?

However, in meditation the method used is intended to lead to a prayer beyond all methods, that is contemplative prayer. Contemplation is often a misunderstood word. It is not a prayer that we can initiate or cause to happen. It is divinely produced and no amount of action on our part can produce or prolong it.

Are there any arguments against contemplative prayer?

It appears the biggest argument against contemplative prayer is the exercise of repeating a word or phrase in order to empty the mind. This is a concern as it might make room for Satan to move in. We are meant to fill our minds with the things of God, not empty them. God wants us to be wise.

What’s the difference between meditative and vocal prayer?

MEDITATIVE PRAYER: Meditation is a higher form of prayer than vocal prayer as it utilizes the power of your imagination with focus on holy truths. Meditation has been referred to as one of the more difficult forms of prayer as many have not yet mastered their imagination and distraction becomes common-place.

Who are the leading teachers of contemplative prayer?

Contemplative prayer presupposes that the Christian must seek outside of Scripture to hear all that God is saying, thus Scripture loses its position as the final, authoritative Word from God. The following quotes are from Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, respectively, who are both leading teachers of contemplative prayer: