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| Contemplative Outreach. We
are a community of individuals and Centering Prayer groups committed to
living the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in every day life. The contemplative dimension of the Gospel manifests itself in an
ever-deepening union with the living Christ and the practical caring for
others that flows from that relationship. A commitment to daily practice of Centering Prayer is the primary expression of belonging. (Theological Principles # 1 and # 2).
The purpose of
Contemplative Outreach is to support one another in the process of
Divine transformation through the practice of Centering Prayer. We also
encourage the practice of Lectio Divina, particularly its movement into Contemplative Prayer, which a regular and established practice of Centering Prayer facilitates.
After
offering workshops and retreats on the practice of Centering Prayer for
several years, many practitioners developed an interest in the
Christian contemplative tradition. Thus our vision expanded to include
adapting the wisdom and practices of the monastic life for ordinary
householders, as well finding ways to support and sustain contemplative
life in modern society. Over time and through consent and commitment to
regular practice, we also found that practitioners need to understand
the conceptual background of Centering Prayer — or the psychology of the
spiritual journey documented so well through the Christian mystics and
brought to the forefront by Thomas Merton, Basil Pennington, William
Meninger and Thomas Keating's teachings.(1)
Centering Prayer
teach us how to wait — to stop to become aware and listen. In doing so,
we deepen our understanding of people and circumstances. We develop
patience and freedom, trusting God in all things. Centering Prayer teach
us how to let go of the reactions of the false self and live in a new
way. We then can take a long, loving look at the REAL, the presence of
God vibrating through all the creation and perceive God's love looking
back to us. As contemplatives actively and passionately engage in life,
we are propelled by the Spirit and motivated by love. In deepening
awareness of God's ever-present Reality, we are never alone, abandoned
or forgotten. Rather, we are embraced and cherished.(2)
Our
mission is to teach the method of Centering Prayer and to support those
whose Spiritual Journey includes a practice of this prayer.
For further information, please go to the Contemplative Outreach Ltd site.CO Ltd, site)(1), (2) Fitzpatrick-Hopler, Gail. (2011). Seeing a New Reality for Contemplatives. Contemplative Outreach Newsletter June 2011.Pag: 2,3. (newsletter)
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