Christian Contemplative Prayer: Finding Sacred Silence with God

Introduction: Finding God in the Stillness

In our modern world of constant noise, endless notifications, and perpetual busyness, the still, small voice of God often goes unheard. Yet throughout Scripture and Christian tradition, we find a profound truth: God often speaks most clearly in silence. From Elijah hearing God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a "still, small voice" (1 Kings 19:11-12), to Jesus regularly withdrawing to quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16), the Bible reveals that sacred silence is essential to our relationship with God.

Christian contemplative prayer—the practice of resting silently in God's presence—has deep roots in biblical tradition. It is not about emptying ourselves for the sake of emptiness, but rather about creating space for God to fill. As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, "Be still, and know that I am God." This stillness is not passive; it is an active, receptive posture of the heart that allows us to experience God's presence more fully and find the inner peace that so many Americans are searching for today.

This guide will walk you through the rich Christian tradition of contemplative prayer, offering practical guidance for incorporating this transformative practice into your daily walk with Christ. Whether you're new to contemplative prayer or seeking to deepen your existing practice, this journey into sacred silence will help you cultivate a more intimate relationship with God and discover the peace that transcends understanding.

Biblical Foundations of Contemplative Prayer

Contemplative prayer is not a modern innovation or an import from other spiritual traditions—it is deeply rooted in Scripture and has been practiced by faithful Christians throughout the centuries.

Silence and Stillness in Scripture

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness in our relationship with God:

• "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
• "The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him" (Habakkuk 2:20)
• "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength" (Isaiah 30:15)
• "Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Jesus himself modeled contemplative prayer in his own life. The Gospels frequently mention Jesus withdrawing to quiet places to pray:

• "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35)
• "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16)
• Before choosing his disciples, "Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God" (Luke 6:12)

The Christian Contemplative Tradition

Throughout church history, contemplative prayer has been practiced by saints, monks, and ordinary believers seeking deeper communion with God:

• Desert Fathers and Mothers (3rd-5th centuries): These early Christian hermits withdrew to the deserts of Egypt to seek God in silence and solitude.

• The Hesychast Tradition: Eastern Orthodox Christians developed practices of inner stillness (hesychia) to experience God's presence.

• Medieval Mystics: Figures like Julian of Norwich, Hildegard of Bingen, and Meister Eckhart wrote extensively about contemplative union with God.

• The Cloud of Unknowing (14th century): This anonymous work provides guidance on contemplative prayer, encouraging readers to put all thoughts and concepts of God under a "cloud of forgetting" and to pierce the "cloud of unknowing" with a "dart of longing love."

• St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross (16th century): These Spanish mystics provided detailed guidance on the contemplative journey.

• Modern Contemplatives: Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, and others have helped revive interest in Christian contemplative prayer in recent decades.

Understanding Christian Contemplative Prayer

What Christian Contemplative Prayer Is

Christian contemplative prayer is a form of prayer that focuses on being present with God rather than speaking to God. It is:

• A prayer of presence: Simply being with God, aware of His presence
• A prayer of listening: Opening ourselves to hear God's voice
• A prayer of surrender: Letting go of our agenda and yielding to God's will
• A prayer of love: Expressing love for God through our attentive presence

As St. Teresa of Ávila described it: "Contemplative prayer in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us."

What Christian Contemplative Prayer Is Not

To avoid misunderstanding, it's important to clarify what Christian contemplative prayer is not:

• Not emptying the mind: Unlike some Eastern meditation practices, Christian contemplative prayer is not about emptying the mind but about filling it with awareness of God's presence.
• Not seeking unusual experiences: The goal is not to have visions or ecstatic experiences but to deepen our relationship with God.
• Not a technique for stress reduction: While contemplative prayer may reduce anxiety and stress, its primary purpose is communion with God.
• Not a substitute for other forms of prayer: Contemplative prayer complements, rather than replaces, other forms of prayer such as petition, intercession, and thanksgiving.

The Fruits of Contemplative Prayer

Regular practice of contemplative prayer bears fruit in the Christian life:

• Deeper awareness of God's presence: We begin to recognize God's presence not just during prayer times but throughout our daily activities.
• Increased peace and patience: As we spend time in God's presence, His peace begins to permeate our lives, helping overcome anxiety and worry.
• Greater clarity and discernment: Silence helps us hear God's guidance more clearly.
• Transformation into Christ's likeness: As 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, "We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another."
• Renewed love for God and others: Contemplative prayer nurtures the greatest commandments—love for God and love for neighbor.

Practical Guide to Christian Contemplative Prayer

Preparing for Contemplative Prayer

1. Choose a sacred word or phrase: Select a simple word or short phrase that expresses your intention to be present to God. Examples include "Jesus," "Abba," "Peace," "Lord," or "Be still."

2. Find a quiet place: Jesus instructed, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen" (Matthew 6:6). Create a dedicated prayer space if possible.

3. Set aside time: Start with 10-20 minutes. Use a gentle timer to avoid checking the clock.

4. Adopt a receptive posture: Sit comfortably with your back straight, allowing for alert attention. Rest your hands on your lap or knees.

5. Prepare your heart: Begin with a brief prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your time of prayer.

The Practice of Christian Contemplative Prayer

1. Begin with a simple prayer: "Lord, I open myself to Your presence. Speak, for Your servant is listening."

2. Gently introduce your sacred word: Let your sacred word be a symbol of your consent to God's presence and action within.

3. Rest in God's presence: Simply be with God, allowing your attention to rest in Him.

4. When thoughts arise: When you become aware that your attention has wandered to thoughts or sensations, gently return to your sacred word as a way of returning to God's presence.

5. Conclude with gratitude: End your time of prayer by thanking God for His presence and love.

Centering Prayer: A Specific Form of Christian Contemplative Prayer

Centering Prayer, developed by Fr. Thomas Keating and others, offers a specific method for contemplative prayer:

1. Choose a sacred word: Select a word that symbolizes your intention to consent to God's presence and action within.

2. Sitting comfortably with eyes closed: Settle briefly and silently introduce your sacred word.

3. When you become aware of thoughts: Return ever-so-gently to your sacred word.

4. At the end of the prayer period: Remain in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.

Lectio Divina: Scripture-Based Contemplative Prayer

Lectio Divina (divine reading) is an ancient practice of praying with Scripture that includes a contemplative element:

1. Lectio (reading): Read a short Scripture passage slowly and attentively.

2. Meditatio (meditation): Reflect on the passage, considering what God might be saying to you through it.

3. Oratio (prayer): Respond to God in prayer based on your meditation.

4. Contemplatio (contemplation): Rest in God's presence, allowing Him to speak to your heart beyond words.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Prayer

Wandering Thoughts During Prayer

Perhaps the most common challenge in contemplative prayer is dealing with distracting thoughts. Remember:

• Thoughts are normal: Everyone experiences thoughts during prayer. The desert father Abba Moses said to a brother who was troubled by distractions: "Don't be discouraged. Just keep coming back to God."

• Gentle return: When you notice your mind wandering, gently return to your sacred word without judgment or frustration.

• Use thoughts as reminders: Let each wandering thought be a reminder to return to God's presence.

• Scripture help: "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Spiritual Dryness and Absence

Sometimes we may feel nothing during contemplative prayer:

• Faith, not feeling: Remember that prayer is based on faith, not feelings. God is present whether we feel Him or not.

• The "dark night": St. John of the Cross wrote about the "dark night of the soul," times when God seems absent but is actually drawing us into deeper faith.

• Perseverance: Jesus taught that we "should always pray and not give up" (Luke 18:1).

• Scripture help: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines... yet I will rejoice in the LORD" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Finding Time for Prayer

In our busy lives, finding time for silence can be challenging:

• Start small: Begin with just 5-10 minutes daily.

• Consistent time: Choose a regular time each day for contemplative prayer.

• Sacred spaces: Identify places where you can pray without interruption.

• Digital sabbath: Consider periods of disconnection from devices.

• Scripture help: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33).

Theological Concerns About Contemplative Prayer

Some Christians worry that contemplative prayer might not be biblically sound:

• Rooted in Scripture: Remember the biblical foundations discussed earlier.

• Christ-centered: Keep your practice centered on Jesus Christ.

• Community-connected: Discuss your prayer life with trusted spiritual mentors.

• Discernment: Test everything against Scripture and the historic teachings of the church.

• Scripture help: "Test everything. Hold on to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Integrating Contemplative Prayer into Daily Life

Creating a Daily Prayer Practice

1. Morning offering: Begin each day with a brief time of contemplative prayer, offering the day to God.

2. Midday pause: Take a few minutes at lunch or during a break to center yourself in God's presence.

3. Evening review: End the day with contemplative prayer, reviewing the day with gratitude.

4. Prayer triggers: Use regular activities (like washing hands or stopping at red lights) as reminders to briefly center in God's presence.

Weekly Prayer Rhythm

1. Sabbath silence: Incorporate extended times of contemplative prayer into your Sabbath observance.

2. Prayer partners: Consider meeting weekly with others for shared silent prayer.

3. Nature contemplation: Spend time in creation, allowing natural beauty to draw you into contemplative awareness of the Creator.

Seasonal Prayer Practices

1. Retreat days: Schedule quarterly days of silence and prayer.

2. Liturgical alignment: Deepen your contemplative practice during Advent, Lent, and other significant seasons of the church year.

3. Annual retreat: If possible, attend a guided retreat focused on contemplative prayer once a year.

Contemplative Prayer in Christian Community

While contemplative prayer is often practiced individually, it can also be a powerful communal experience:

Family Contemplative Practices

1. Bedtime silence: Incorporate a minute of silence into bedtime prayers with children.

2. Gratitude pause: Before meals, take 30 seconds of silence to be aware of God's presence before saying grace.

3. Nature walks: Take silent walks together, paying attention to God's creation.

Church and Small Group Practices

1. Worship silence: Incorporate moments of contemplative silence into worship services.

2. Prayer gatherings: Organize contemplative prayer groups at church.

3. Study and practice: Form groups to study contemplative prayer and practice together.

Finding Peace Through Contemplative Prayer

One of the greatest benefits of Christian contemplative prayer is the deep peace it brings to our often anxious and stressed lives. As Philippians 4:7 promises, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

In contemplative prayer, we learn to:

• Release anxiety to God: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7)
• Rest in divine presence: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28)
• Renew our minds: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2)
• Receive God's peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27)

This peace is not merely the absence of conflict or stress, but the positive presence of God's shalom—wholeness, well-being, and right relationship with God and others.

Conclusion: The Journey of Sacred Silence

Contemplative prayer is not a destination but a journey—a lifelong practice of growing in awareness of God's presence. As you incorporate sacred silence into your life, remember that the goal is not perfect prayer but faithful presence. Each moment of returning to God in silence is an act of love that pleases Him.

St. Augustine wrote, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." Contemplative prayer is that place of rest—not an escape from the world but a deeper entrance into it through communion with the One who created and sustains all things.

May your journey into sacred silence lead you into deeper relationship with the God who is always present, always loving, and always speaking—sometimes in the loudest silence of all.

Prayer to Begin Contemplative Practice

Lord Jesus Christ, You who often withdrew to quiet places to be with the Father, teach me the way of sacred silence. In the noise and busyness of my life, help me to create space to simply be with You. When my mind wanders, gently draw me back. When I feel nothing, strengthen my faith. When I grow impatient, grant me perseverance. May this practice of contemplative prayer transform me more fully into Your likeness, that I might love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

Suggested Scripture Passages for Lectio Divina

• Psalm 46:1-11 (especially verse 10: "Be still, and know that I am God")
• 1 Kings 19:11-13 (Elijah and the still, small voice)
• Luke 10:38-42 (Mary sitting at Jesus' feet)
• John 15:1-11 (Abiding in Christ)
• Philippians 4:4-9 (Peace that transcends understanding)
• Isaiah 26:3 (Perfect peace for those whose minds are steadfast)
• Matthew 11:28-30 (Finding rest for your soul)