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Christian Meditation, Contemplation and Lectio Divina

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Contemplation

What is the difference between meditation and contemplative prayer?

Meditation is the precursor of contemplation. It is the practice of focusing your mind on a learned prayer, a scripture verse or an image so that your mind can practice being attentive right at this very moment – right now. This practice is great to help slow down the barrage of thoughts that invade our minds, and helps us to be “present” in whatever we are doing or with whomever we meet.

While both are forms of prayer, the fundamental difference between meditation and contemplation is that meditation is a human mode of prayer whereas contemplation is divinely infused. It is you relating to God and God pervading your very being.

Contemplative Living is the process by which you integrate all that you learn from your Contemplative practice into everything you think, do and feel daily. Bringing the unconditional love of God through you to the world. Love God and love all of His creation in our various passionate ways.

“Seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, all the time, and his hand in every happening; This is what it means to be contemplative in the heart of the world.” – Mother Teresa