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Contemplative prayer is all about intimacy and holiness with the Lover of Our Souls. It is an ancient practice for gaining a depth of relationship with God and a classic avenue for infusing holiness within. Contemplative prayer is not intercession, which focuses on the needs of others. Nor is it petition, which focuses on our needs. Contemplation’s single focus is the Lord. It is time set aside for intimacy with our Bridegroom. We find it interesting that this ancient practice is exactly what the Spirit is saying to the church in this present hour -- intimacy and holiness.

A historical discipline for spiritual formation, contemplative prayer gives God time and access to work within us, changing the old man into the new man .The ancients viewed contemplation as a time when God infused their souls with holiness. Being in His presence brought eternal changes to soul wounds and imperfections. This type of sanctification is a different experience than when holiness is a result of Bible study and obedience to the Word, sometimes called acquired holiness. Both avenues to holiness are necessary, scriptural, and are meant to work together in preparing us as the Bride of Christ. Being in the presence of God and practicing His presence is what makes the ancient discipline of contemplative prayer so needful for contemporary Christians.

Contemplative prayer is usually made up of three phases. Phase one is a time of recollection or gathering yourself together so that you are focused on God. It is time set aside to “re-collect” the distractions of your outward and inner life and lay them aside so you can give your full attention to the Lord. Phase two is called the prayer of quiet, where one waits quietly for the Lord. Phase three is entering into and experiencing the presence of God. This phase of contemplative prayer is totally initiated by the Lord. You do not have to do anything, but receive Him.

This experience of God’s presence is more often felt than understood. It is a love experience and can’t always be defined because it is usually a spirit level experience. It is frequently at this level that God gives you a “spirit-examination” and more of the old man is stripped away and the new man revealed. Many experience a type of “conversation” with God during this time that is wordless, yet speaks volumes.

Contemplative prayer is about intimacy with our Beloved and the impartation of His holiness within us. It is only as we have been in His presence that we are fit to be with others. It is only as we have been in His presence that we have the love to represent Him to others. It is only as we have been in His presence that we have the power to extend His life to others.

Click here for book recommendations on contemplative prayer

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© 2003 by Susan Gaddis