Emptying your mind with meaningless repetition :: Contemplative Prayer

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August 28, 2006

Emptying your mind with meaningless repetition

Contemplative and centering prayer were part of recent services at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Members sat quietly, having chosen a sacred word to repeat until the reached a "peaceful state". One of the organizers explained,

"You begin by gently introducing your prayer word, expressing your consent to God's presence and action within you ... the word is only used to consent to what God has for you," he said.

"At the moment you begin, your mind is full of thoughts. And that's when you return to the prayer word as an expression of renewed sense of God's presence and action."

One of the newbie participants had difficulty choosing her sacred word and "then had many thoughts come to mind."

Some who visit this site may find nothing wrong with this form of praying, which isn't prayer at all but a form of meditation aimed at achieving a mystical experience that will bring a false feeling of spirituality. God will not speak mystically to the empty minded but He will bring union and communion through His Word and the Body of Christ.

When we do pray, how should be do it? Jesus was asked the same question:

Matthew 6:7 "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.

Matthew 6:8 "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matthew 6:9 ¶ "Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

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Posted by calvin at August 28, 2006 12:08 AM

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Comments

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Posted by: scorch at September 2, 2006 07:02 PM

August 28, 2006