Lectio Divina Template 82

  "Prepare the way of the Lord."

We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.

Lectio Divina Template 81

   "...my words will not pass away."

We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.

Lectio Divina Template 80

   "My kingdom is not from this world."

We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.

Lectio Divina Template 79

  "When you hear of ... rumors of wars, do not be alarmed."

We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.

Contemplative Outreach's Origin Story

Contemplative Outreach’s Origin Story

The Christian Contemplative Tradition and Centering Prayer: A Brief History

(slightly adapted from a handout provided by Bonnie Shimizu during a Presenter Training in 2011). 

I. Contemplative Prayer is the opening of mind and heart—our whole being—to God. It is a process of interior transformation leading to Divine Union.

II. In the first sixteen centuries A.D, silent contemplative prayer was a very acceptable way of praying.

III. During the Reformation of the 16^th century, the tradition became suspect, especially for the laity and the active religious, and much of it went underground or was lost.

IV. In the 20^th Century, there was a revival in interest in SILENT prayer. How did this occur?

Embracing Unity in the Christian Heritage

These are notes and a partial transcript of a speech by Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler, the former director of Contemplative Outreach, that was videotaped at the annual Contemplative Outreach Conference in 2002. In the video, Gail talks about the founding values, beliefs, and theological principles of Contemplative Outreach, which still guide our organization today. 

          ~ Kathy Agnew

CO:  Embracing Unity in the Christian Heritage, by Gail Fitzpatrick-Hopler
From the CO, Ltd. Annual Conference in Nashville, TN, October 12, 2002.
(Starts at 4:30 minutes)
The YouTube video is available at the following link:
Ecumenism: United in Our Common Search for God
 
Introduction by Mary Dwyer:
 
Contemplative Outreach has always been based on the foundational piece of service:  The God in us serving the God in others. Theological Principle #11:  Following the teachings of Jesus, we exercise leadership as service, especially keeping alert and responsive to the growing needs of CO. 

Lectio Divina Template 78

  "Out of her poverty, [she] put in everything she had."

We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.

Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life.