“Contemplation” is not a prayer method or technique, but rather a gift of God, offered to all, but often more readily received by those of us who cultivate open minds and open hearts, especially through prayer practices. Virtually any prayer practice can serve as a gateway to contemplation, if it is approached with a disposition of consent to the Divine Presence and Action within us. In his book The Mystery of Christ, Fr. Thomas Keating examines praying the Rosary as contemplative practice:
 The rosary is a school of contemplative prayer. As the lips and hands are saying the beads and the mind is reflecting on the mysteries, the presence of Christ in our inmost being awakens and we rest in his presence. Whether we focus on the words of the individual prayers or reflect on the unfolding mysteries, we may feel drawn into this rest. At that time we leave behind both the words and the reflections and enjoy the presence of Christ. When his presence begins to dissolve, we return to the prayers and reflections where we left off. In this way we move up and down the ladder of interior prayer and allow the habit of contemplation to develop. Contemplation gradually overflows into daily life and extends the enjoyment of God’s presence into the whole of life.