Contemplative prayer demands the letting go of all expectations, including the expectation for a “felt” sense of prayer as something “other” than our normal lived experience. Often, we will find our designated prayer time feeling quite ordinary, with no special insights, grand revelations, or “warm fuzzy” feelings. Don’t misunderstand:...
It is always worth remembering that any true freedom, interior or exterior, is gained in solidarity with God and others. Father Richard Rohr offers several practical ways to experience community and discover a bigger reality beyond ourselves: Our Western culture leans toward self-sufficiency and independence, and we often need to be reminded that we are ...
One of the keys to contemplative prayer practice is to enter into prayer with no expectations. This directive can prove surprisingly difficult for many, especially in the goal- and results-oriented culture in the West. We seldom engage any ...
Carolyn Hebenstreit and the MMOC Contemplative Core Team encourage you to be open to all the opportunities for contemplation that present themselves throughout your ordinary day, and offer you this poem to set you on your way! ORDINARY DAY by Steve Garnaas Holmes An ordinary day, nothing special, no big events planned, nothing on the...
Contemplative Core Team Member Saralou Hendrickson reflects on her experience participating in an immersive silent retreat: You may have seen the information about the 8 day Centering Prayer retreat, sponsored by Contemplative Outreach – St. Louis, that will be held a...